TMZ Says It Has Photo of Bruised, Battered Rihanna

A purported photo of Rihanna following her alleged assault, and a photo of the pop singer in 2007.

The LAPD launched an internal investigation Thursday into the release of a domestic violence photograph that appears to be pop singer Rihanna after she was allegedly attacked by Chris Brown earlier this month.

TMZ.com posted the photo of a battered woman's face late Thursday, saying the photo was indeed Rihanna, 20, whose real name is Robyn Fenty.

Rumors have been swirling for more than a week that her boyfriend, 19-year-old singer Chris Brown, had struck her during an argument that took place Feb. 8. The release of the photo comes just days after Brown said much of what has been reported of the incident is untrue.

In a statement, the LAPD said it takes "seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence.

"The department launched an immediate internal investigation and subsequently filed a personnel complaint. A violation of this type is considerd serious misconduct, with penalties up to and including termination."

Click here to see the photo at TMZ.

Jim Moret of "Inside Edition" told FOX News' Greta van Susteren that there's no way of telling whether the photo is legitimate, other than taking TMZ's word.

"A photo was released a few days ago and it was later revealed it was Photoshop-ed," Moret said.

TMZ told FOXNews.com Friday that is was against company policy to disclose how the photo was obtained.

Brown surrendered to Los Angeles police on Feb. 8 and was released on $50,000 bail after being booked for investigation of making a criminal threat, a felony. He has not been charged by the district attorney's office, which is still investigating the case.

His arrest reportedly stemmed from an argument with Rihanna, shortly after they left a pre-Grammy Awards party. Both were nominated for Grammys and were scheduled to appear at the Feb. 8 awards show but canceled at the last minute. Brown surrendered to authorities just as the show was getting under way.

According to police, Brown and an unidentified woman began arguing as they were traveling in a car shortly after the Feb. 7 party. The fight escalated after they got out of the car, and Brown had left by the time officers arrived.

"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person," Brown said in a statement issued through publicist Michael Sitrick.

FOXNews.com's Allison McGevna contributed to this report.