Chris Brown and Rihanna are still 'good friends' despite controversial 2009 split

Rihanna leans her head on Chris Brown as they sit together courtside at the NBA game between the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles, Dece. 25, 2012.Reuters/Danny Moloshok

There's no bad blood between exes Rihanna and Chris Brown.

Rihanna and Chris Brown have remained on good terms years after their tumultuous relationship. The "With You" crooner surprised fans when he publicly greeted Rihanna on her birthday earlier this week. He posted a throwback photo of a young Rihanna along with the caption, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY @badgalriri."

While this was something not expected by fans, a source told Us Weekly that Rihanna and Brown have actually remained pals following their highly publicized split. "Fans might have been surprised that Chris wished Rihanna a happy birthday so very publicly on social media," the insider stated. "However, they are good friends and talk all the time."

Rihanna, 30, and Brown, 28, were together for one year. Their complicated relationship came to a highly publicized end after Brown physically assaulted the Bajan musician in 2009. Rihanna was granted a restraining order against her ex, who pleaded guilty to felony assault. Despite their rocky past, the pair had a brief reunion in 2012 before eventually calling it quits again in 2013.

This week, Rihanna celebrated her 30th birthday with her closest family and friends in New York City. The "Where Have You Been" hitmaker performed on stage for her big day alongside Toni Braxton, sharing the special moment with her followers via social media.

The last time Brown opened up about his past romance with Rihanna was in his 2017 documentary, "Welcome to My Life." The singer said there was a point in their relationship where they both lost trust for one another.

"From there, it just went downhill because there were too many verbal fights, physical fights as well. Mutual sides. It is the first time I get to say anything. We would fight each other. She would hit me, I would hit her and it never was OK," he admitted.