Rihanna's father says he thinks Chris Brown deserves a second chance.

The 24-year-old star was violently attacked by the singer in 2009, but father Ronald Fenty has given his blessing after they recently got back together.

He said: "Chris made a mistake ... a terrible one. But I'm a great believer that everybody deserves a second chance and Chris is no different."

The on/off couple have recently been getting close again after much speculation and they look to have reconciled.

According to the Sunday Mirror newspaper, Fenty has said if Rihanna's happy, he is too, and even suggested Brown, 23, has "always been very polite" to him.

He added: "Everybody goes wrong in life. I certainly have. But it is about how you come back and live your life which is important.

"And as long as she is happy then so am I. Everybody has had their say about her and Chris but it is up to her to find her own way.

"Chris has always been very polite and kind to me, and treated me with respect. That's all you can ask for from your daughter's boyfriend."

Rihanna recently confirmed the reunion and said she can "handle" the backlash for taking him back.

She said: "I decided it was more important for me to be happy, and I wasn't going to let anybody's opinion get in the way of that. Even if it's a mistake, it's my mistake. After being tormented for so many years, being angry and dark, I'd rather just live my truth and take the backlash. I can handle it."