Rihanna has been seen in public for the first time since being brutally attacked by ex-boyfriend Chris Brown.

The singer has been laying low at her mother's home in Barbados since the violent altercation on February 8, which left her battered and bruised.

But the Umbrella star finally emerged on Thursday, the same day that a leaked photo of her injuries appeared online.

She was snapped with her head down and her eyes shielded from view by shades as she flew back to L.A., where she reportedly spent her 21st birthday on Friday with a group of close friends.

A source told the Mirror, "Rihanna had a big party planned in New York for her 21st.

"But her injuries were still too bad and she is still too shaken to talk about it - but Chris is out of her life now."

On Friday Rihanna commented publicly on the matter for the first time - basically to advise that she won't be commenting on the matter.

A statement issued via her rep said,

"At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown. She wants to assure her fans that she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support she has received during this difficult time."