Cheryl Cole says we should 'move on' from Chris Brown's assault of Rihanna

PUBLISHED: 07:31 EST, 21 May 2012 | UPDATED: 11:27 EST, 21 May 2012

He found himself the centre of a huge amount of controversy when he was convicted of assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna back in 2009.

But now Chris Brown has come forward to thank Cheryl Cole, after she said in a radio interview that we should all 'move on'.

Cheryl had said: 'I think it's really kind of Rihanna actually (to forgive Brown). She's come out and publicly forgiven him really.

New BFFs: Chris Brown has made a new friend in Cheryl Cole after she said we should all 'move on' from his assault of Rihanna back in 2009

'I think it's about time we all did if I'm completely honest, if you want my opinion... I think it's time we all moved on. That guy is talented as hell.'

Following Cheryl's interview, Brown wrote on his Twitter page: 'Your amazing! I appreciate you.'

He then later added: '@cherylcole thanks for the support and believing in me as an artist!'

Public friendship: Brown thanked Cheryl for the support on his Twitter page over the weekend

Cheryl made the comments during an interview with In:Demand With Alex James, saying she wishes more people could learn to forgive and forget.

She a! dded: 'I work with people all the time with my charity that are transformed characters.

'They've done things when they were young that they regret, they've been to prison and they're now upstanding members of the public and help our community and are amazing people.'

Jetsetting style: Cheryl wore a pair of leather trousers and white jacket as she jetted out of Nice airport today

Chris pleaded guilty to attacking Rihanna during an argument after a music industry party back in 2009.

Thecouple split after the assault and Brown was sentenced to five years probation, a year-long domestic violence program and 180 days of community labour.

Meanwhile, Cheryl was seen jetting back from Cannes, France, today following a brief appearance there for the premiere of new movie Amour.

Red carpet glamour: On Saturday night, Cheryl looked stunning at Cannes as she attended the premiere of Amour

The former X Factor judge wore a tight corset style top, baggy leather trousers and a white blazer with heels as she made her way through the airport.

On Saturday night, Cheryl made a suitably grand entrance in a dramatic white dress by Stphane Rolland Haute Couture at the Film Festival.