Rihanna defends her reunion with Chris Brown

Singer Rihanna has opened up to Rolling Stone magazine about reuniting with former boyfriend Chris Brown, saying she "decided it was more important for me to be happy."

An article with the title "Rihanna’s Crazy in Love" is to appear in the Friday edition of Rolling Stone, but the magazine released a teaser online.

The Barbadian singer acknowledged that being with Brown could be bad for her public image. The two began appearing together late last year, nearly four years after Brown assaulted her the night before the 2009 Grammys.

Brown pleaded guilty to assault, apologized and performed community service. But the spectre of his conviction hangs over the couple, with many pop culture commentators doubtful that he has really changed.

Some question Rihanna’s ability to be a role model for young women if she is willing to spend time with him.

She told Rolling Stone she’s confident she can trust him.

"He doesn't have the luxury of f---ing up again," she says. "That's just not an option. I can't say that nothing else will ever go wrong. But I'm pretty solid in the knowing that he's disgusted by that. And I wouldn't have gone this far if I ever thought that was a possibility."

Rihanna says she doesn’t care what others think of her decision.

"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."

Rihanna is to perform at the Grammys Feb. 10 and, though Brown is not scheduled for a performance, there is already speculation that he could join her on stage, to make their reunion even more public.