Disgraced singer Chris Brown says people who call him a “woman beater” are “ignorant”.

The 20-year-old told MTV that his attack on ex-girlfriend Rihanna was an “uncharacteristic” spurt of violence which was triggered by “anger”.

After Rihanna, 21, gave an interview to ABC, Brown issued the following statement: “I am extremely sorry for what I did, and I accept accountability for my actions. At this point, I am taking the proper steps to learn about me and grow from my mistakes. I only hope that others in similar situations can learn from our experience as well. Abuse of any kind is always wrong. The rest I leave it to God.”

Brown told his interviewer Sway: “I’m confused right now as far as public perception. I think with my fans they still love me and support me but definitely you have those people that don’t support you so it’s kind of 50/50 with me.

“There are people that want to see me in jail. It hurts. I’ve heard [people say] ‘woman beater’ and ‘you suck, I hate you’ and ‘don’t get too close he might punch you in the face’.”

“I really wanted to apologise [to] the people that I let down and show people that I am wrong for what I’ve done, but I want people to learn from it and see that I’m really apologetic.”