NEW YORK — In her first statement since she was allegedly attacked by Chris Brown, Rihanna thanked fans for their support but would not address the accusations against her boyfriend, citing an ongoing police investigation.

"At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown," read a statement released yesterday by Rubenstein Associates. "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."

The statement was released hours after the Web site TMZ released a photo that purportedly shows the pop star's battered face, with bruises on her forehead, bloody lips and other facial injuries.

Shortly after the photos were posted Thursday evening, the Los Angeles Police Department announced it was investigating the leak.

T.I. SERVES TIME LECTURING KIDS

ATLANTA — One month from beginning a yearlong federal prison sentence, rapper T.I. was in court again yesterday, but this time not in the hot seat.

The 28-year-old, whose real name is Clifford Harris, spoke to a group of high school students — half of whom are serving juvenile sentences — about not breaking the law. He urged them to work hard, stay in school and do what is necessary to get what they want in life.

T.I.'s appearance was part of 1,000 hours of community service he must complete as part of his guilty plea a year ago to federal firearms charges.

CARUSO STALKING SUSPECT NABBED

TIJUANA, Mexico — Mexican officials have detained an Austrian woman accused of stalking "CSI: Miami" star David Caruso.

Austrian prosecutors say the woman sent the American actor more than 100 letters, pursued him for an autograph and then sent death threats when he refused to give her one.

She was charged with stalking and threatening to kill Caruso, but failed to show up for court in 2007 and was believed to be on the run.

Tijuana police said yesterday they detained the woman with the help of The Stalker Chronicles blog, which is dedicated to the woman's arrest. She was turned over to immigration officials late Thursday and will likely be deported.

O'DONNELL OUT TO PROP UP DETROIT

DETROIT — Rosie O'Donnell says she hopes to film again in Detroit on the heels of her new Lifetime movie, "America," shot last year in the Motor City.

The nation's foster-care system is the backdrop of the movie, which premieres Feb. 28. O'Donnell says she's been so moved by Detroit's plight that she bought a Buick Enclave, made by Detroit-based General Motors Corp.

O'Donnell told the Detroit Free Press by phone that "whatever movie we do next, we're going to do there."

Based on E.R. Frank's book, "America" centers on 17-year-old America, who's been in foster care since infancy. He's a patient of Dr. Maureen Brennan, played by O'Donnell.