Washington, Feb 17 : Hip-hop star Akon and Hollywood actress Gabrielle Union have offered support to Rihanna, who was allegedly attacked by Chris Brown, and have urged her to be strong.

The `Umbrella' hitmaker was left with a split lip, a bloody nose and bite marks on her hands after Brown allegedly attacked her following a heated argument.

However, after much of speculation over the incident, Brown has publicly said that he was `saddened' by the incident, which left Rihanna needing hospital treatment.