The controversy surrounding [artist id="1961441"]Chris Brown[/artist] following his [article id="1606550"]alleged altercation[/article] with girlfriend [artist id="1940303"]Rihanna[/artist], wouldn't keep [artist id="1240040"]Akon[/artist] from working with the R&B star if given the opportunity.

"I wouldn't take anybody's personal issues or problems," 'Kon told the Huffington Post. "I won't hold them accountable for that when it comes to work. I think it's two separate things."

Akon, who has faced legal issues of his own, added that Brown is "gonna learn and he's gonna move forward, and just hopefully he won't treat the next woman the same way."

E! News reported that Rihanna and Brown have been collaborating on new music together recently. According to E!, the couple have been spending time in a Santa Monica studio with Polow Da Don, who has worked with the Pussycat Dolls, Usher and Fergie.

TMZ reported more details of the collaboration, with a source saying the late-night recording sessions were "very, very emotional ... the feeling in the room was pure love." Sources told the gossip site that Polow convinced the couple to get in the studio by telling them that the heightened emotions of their situation would translate into the music. Brown and Rihanna were "playfully touching each other" throughout the sessions, a source added.

Reps for both singers declined to comment on the reports.

[artist id="1240040"]Akon[/artist] also said that he'd work with Brown, if given the opportunity. "I wouldn't take anybody's personal issues or problems," he told the Huffington Post. "I won't hold them accountable for that when it comes to work. I think it's two separate things."

On Tuesday, it was reported that [article id="1606624"]Rihanna and Brown were working on new music[/article] separately as well. One of the producers reportedly working with Rihanna on her next album, Adonis Shropshire ([artist id="976"]Mariah Carey[/artist], Usher, [artist id="1236911"]Beyoncé[/artist]), who has produced songs on both of Brown's previous albums, told HipHollywood.com that Rihanna is "doing OK."

Go [article id="1605165"]here for domestic-violence resources[/article], or check out Think MTV for a video handbook on spotting the warning signs of abuse.

[This story was originally published at 4:26 pm E.T. on 3.10.09]