LOS ANGELES — Chris Brown yesterday publicly apologized for the beating of Rihanna, saying in a two-minute video that he's still seeking help and wants to live his life as a role model.

Brown released the video on his Web site apologizing to fans and saying he is sad and ashamed of his conduct. He also tells viewers that he has repeatedly apologized to Rihanna.

Brown was arrested Feb. 8, hours after he fought with his then-girlfriend in a rented sports car after a pre-Grammy party. According to a police affidavit, Brown tried to push the Barbados-born singer from the car and repeatedly hit her and choked her.

Brown pleaded guilty to the felony assault charge last month and faces sentencing Aug. 5. He is slated to serve five years of probation and perform six months of community labor.

BEASTIE BOY DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER

NEW YORK — In an upbeat video, Beastie Boy Adam "MCA" Yauch announced via the group's Web site that he has a "very treatable" cancerous tumor in his salivary gland and a nearby lymph node.

As a result, the band announced yesterday it is canceling its tour dates and postponing the release of its upcoming album, "Hot Sauce Committee Part 1."

"About two months ago I started feeling a little lump in my throat," said Yauch, seated next to fellow Beastie Boy Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz in the video. "I started to think I should talk to my doctor ... and he sent me to a specialist, and they did tests, and I actually have a form of cancer."

Yauch, 43, said he will likely undergo surgery next week, followed up by some form of radiation.

DETHRONED BEAUTY QUEEN TO WRITE BOOK

NEW YORK — The former Miss California who was stripped of her title last month has a book deal.

Carrie Prejean will publish a memoir called "Still Standing." Conservative book house Regnery Publishing said yesterday it will release the book.

Prejean believes her crown was taken because she said she opposed gay marriage. California pageant executive director Keith Lewis has said that Prejean was skipping Miss California USA events while speaking out against gay marriage at unsanctioned appearances.

'BURN NOTICE' STAR ARRESTED FOR DUI

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Miami Beach police say they arrested "Burn Notice" star Jeffrey Donovan on suspicion of drunken driving.

The arrest report says an officer pulled Donovan, 41, over on July 12 after noticing that he swerved his car to avoid hitting the police car from behind. The officer reported that the actor's eyes appeared bloodshot and watery.

The actor of the popular USA Network series was arrested after failing a field sobriety test. The arrest report says Donovan refused to take a Breathalyzer test. The actor was later released on $1,000 bail.