Checkout the birthday message Chris Brown sent to Rihanna that almost got him drowned.

Chris Brown joined the throng of people wishing Rihanna a happy 30th birthday on Tuesday.

But his message to his ex, shared with his 42 million Instagram followers, received a mixed reaction from fans.

The US singer posted a picture of Rihanna as a baby - similar to one she later posted herself - and wrote 'happy birthday' alongside it while also tagging the star.

One fan wrote underneath it, "Leave her alone," while another simply said, "The audacity."

But others defended his post, with someone else sharing: "Y’all kids need to leave my fave artist alone. He can tell her happy birthday if he wants."


Another wrote: "He only said happy birthday!"

And: "Y’all still in the past that was long ago he didn’t like what he did to her it already happen now it's long gone so forget about it and live in the future (sic)."

Meanwhile Rihanna wrote her own birthday message praising her mom;

"Today is just as much your birthday as it is mine! I love you mom! Thank you for carrying me, birthing me, raising me, supporting me, teaching me, and loving me unconditionally!

"The woman I am today is because of everything that you are!

"I thank God for perfectly hand picking you to be my mother when He sent my spirit to you! You are the greatest! Thank you!"