Rihanna "Deeply Depressed"

Despite being one of the world’s most successful pop stars, Rihanna has sparked concern that she may be heading for a breakdown after a recent concert appearance suggested that she’s on the verge of spiralling out of control. During her show in Atlantic City last week, the 23-year-old singer proceeded to swig alcohol and perform lewd acts on stage, and even gave obscene hand gestures to the crowd at one point. Dressed in a series of barely-there outfits, the star gyrated with a fan, guzzled drinks in plain sight and seemed incapacitated.

And now a source close to Rihanna has spoken out about her drinking problems. “She calls her friends and they in turn call or text label reps – and each other – asking what’s going on with her.”

The concerned source also admitted, “Everyone is on heightened alert. It’s the talk of the [record] label! Her security has been tightened and her publicist travels everywhere with her now. We’re all worried that Rihanna might do something crazy and end up hurting herself.”

The insider, as well as those closest to her, point her recent behaviour to the fact that she is “deeply depressed” and has turned to drinking to down her sorrows. And while the source did not suggest the reason for her depression, many hint that she’s still in pain over the Chris Brown controversy, despite reconnecting with him on Twitter.

Earlier this year, Rihanna rehashed the infamous 2009 incident in her video for “Man Down”, which features her shooting a man who abuses her. The video was heavily criticised by the Parents Television Council who slammed her for showing ‘cold, calculated execution of murder.’  But seemingly unscathed by the criticism, Rihanna responded, “I’m a 23 year old rockstar with NO KIDS! What’s up with everybody wanting me to be a parent? I’m just a girl, I can only be your/our voice! The music industry isn’t exactly Parents R Us! We have the freedom to make art, LET US! Its your job to make sure they don’t turn out like US.”

But for those closest to her, getting sober is paramount. “Her safety is our biggest concern,” said the friend. “We love her. Everyone is on edge right now.”