Oprah Tackles Domestic Violence

Oprah Winfrey says pop star Rihanna's alleged beating by singer boyfriend Chris Brown has the talk show queen so sad that she'll do a show dedicated to dating violence this week.

The hourlong episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" will air live from Chicago on Thursday. Winfrey offered Rihanna advice on her Friday show, saying, "Heal yourself first and also, love doesn't hurt." She also told the couple they should seek counseling.

Winfrey says the Thursday episode is "dedicated to all the Rihannas of the world."

A Los Angeles police affidavit alleges that on Feb. 8, Brown punched, bit and choked Rihanna until she nearly lost consciousness. He has been charged with two felonies and will be arraigned in April.


A number of celebrities have spoken out about the alleged incident and counselors and support groups are using this high-profile case to draw attention to the issue.