Judge lets Chris Brown skip court date

WASHINGTON (AP) — A judge says singer Chris Brown doesn’t have to travel from Los Angeles to Washington to appear in court.

D.C. Superior Judge Robert Tignor agreed Friday to let Brown waive his scheduled appearance on Monday.

Brown is facing a misdemeanor assault charge. He and bodyguard Christopher Hollosy were arrested last month on charges of punching a man outside a hotel who tried to jump into a picture with the singer.

Brown was ordered into anger management rehabilitation this week following a Los Angeles court appearance.

His lawyers say they haven’t had an opportunity to review evidence with him. They told the judge it didn’t make sense for him to check out of rehab and travel cross-country when all they plan to do Monday is request a new court date.