Rihanna's turbulent two-year relationship with rapper Chris Brown ended after he attacked her on the eve of the Grammy Awards in 2009.
But in an interview with Oprah Winfrey the 24-year-old beauty has said Brown "made a mistake" and "needed help" adding that she misses him.
Charities have criticised the comments claiming they could reduce the seriousness of abusive relationships, reported The Independent.
Vivienne Hayes, chief executive of the Women's Resource Centre, said, "Rihanna's case demonstrates the emotional complexities felt by women locked in abusive relationships.
"Whatever the nature of the argument, [Brown] chose to beat her up. And we need to stop society allowing us to normalise such behaviour."
Brown was sentenced to five years probation and six months of community labour after his attack of Rihanna.
Rihanna has admitted she "was more concerned about" her "best friend" Chris Brown after the singer's vicious attack on her three years ago.
"I'm reminded by a lot of things. A lot of good memories we had. By the slightest things; hotel rooms, tour venues, any little thing, music, songs, and I do miss him at times," said Rihanna.
In the clip, shot for Oprah's Next Chapter, the 58-year-old chat show queen revealed the 'Umbrella' hitmaker "talks a lot, a lot, a lot about you know who, Mr Chris Brown."
