Rita Ora defends Chris Brown

Rita Ora is adamant Chris Brown is a good person.

The 24-year-old recently recorded a track with the American singer and has now commented that his past doesn't bother her.

Chris, 26, made headlines in 2009 when he assaulted his then-girlfriend Rihanna, leaving her face swollen and bruised. However, this hasn't tainted how Rita thinks of the star.

"Chris Brown is strong, powerful and someone that is important to me personally and professionally," Rita told British newspaper The Sun. "The discrimination and all what people think? If you have a great song then no one cares.

"I love him on different levels. I see how he treats his people and he's a good person with a good heart and a lovely family."

Rita has often been compared to Rihanna throughout her career, from her daring looks to being signed by Jay Z's label Roc Nation.

Rihanna, 27, carried on seeing Chris on and off after the assault, but hasn't been linked with him since last year. It is unknown what she'll make of Rita's sentiments.

"It's really nice that we finally got together because, regardless of what's happened, the song is just amazing," Rita continued of their track.

Earlier this month The Sun reported that Rihanna was unsure of Rita and that her new track with Chris will be her ticket to bigger success Stateside.

"Rihanna's always been wary of Rita. They have a similar image and there's hardly a big difference in their music. The song with Chris sounds amazing and is bound to be a big hit. It's the best song Rita's done and will break her in the US," a source said.