Chris Brown is reportedly a father, according to TMZ

THE controversial 25-year-old rapper is reportedly a Dad, according to gossip site TMZ.

CHRIS Brown has reportedly fathered a nine-month-old baby girl, TMZ reports.

The gossip site says the baby’s mother is a friend who Brown is not romantically involved with.

She is a former model, named Nia and has reportedly known Brown for several years.

The pair have reportedly been long-time friends.

“Sources connected to both Nia and Chris tell us they are on very good terms,” TMZ reported, “however they’re not together romantically. We’re told 25-year-old Chris is happy about being a father.”

Brown has been in an on-off relationship with Karrueche Tran for five years after splitting with Rihanna.

In February 2009, Brown plead guilty to felony assualt of then-girlfriend Rihanna after leaving her battered and bruised with facial injuries after an argument which escalated into physical violence before the Grammy Awards.

In July of that year Brown released a YouTube video in which he apologised for the assault, labelling it his “deepest regret” and saying he “accepts full responsibility”.

He was sentenced to five years of probation and six months of community service.

The singer has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Chris Brown attends the 2015 Grammy Awards.

Originally published as Chris Brown is reportedly a father, according to TMZ