In honor of Rihanna's 21st birthday today, her close friends have placed a birthday greeting in the local Barbados paper, the Nation News.

The message reads:

"Happy 21 Birthday to Robyn Rihanna Fenty.
Amidst all the negativity about Ri Ri.
God will continue to bless her.
That's why you are so great, Ri Ri.
From Sharon, Shane, Kim and Rashane.
We love you."

See photos of Rihanna's quick rise to fame.

Rihanna has not appeared in public since a Feb. 8 altercation with Chris Brown that left her with bruises and cuts on her forehead, lips and cheeks.

Los Angeles Police have launched an internal investigation Thursday to determine who leaked a photo of a bruised Rihanna after the incident.

"The photograph has the appearance of one taken during an official Domestic Violence investigation. The Los Angeles Police Department takes seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence," the LAPD said in a statement Thursday.

Look back at Chris and Rihanna's happier days.

"The Department launched an immediate internal investigation and subsequently filed a personnel complaint. A violation of this type is considered serious misconduct, with penalties up to and including termination," the statement concludes.