We’re late, because TMZ has since updated this post with a report of conflicting statements regarding the assault, all of which certainly had to have helped his case (the original report is below):

TMZ has just obtained witness statements, some of which conflict. Chris DENIES punching the victim. According to Chris’ statement, he claims he was on his tour bus when the victim tried getting on and his bodyguard “handled it.”

The victim says he was trying to get a pic with Chris and Brown allegedly said, “I ain’t down wit that gay s**t.” The victim told cops he responded by saying, “Why you hoing?” Chris then said, “I feel like boxing.” The victim says Chris then threw the punch and the victim says he then squared off with Chris and then the bodyguard also hit the victim in the face.

According to the victim, after the bodyguard punched him, Chris got BEHIND the bodyguard and screamed, “Yeah, walk away.”

The police say the victim was treated for a fractured nasal bone.

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From TMZ:

Chris Brown just got cut a big break … the assault charge has just been reduced from a FELONY to a MISDEMEANOR … and Chris pled not guilty. Chris has just been released without bail. He’s also required to stay 100 yards away from the victim.

Chris had been ordered to take a drug test, but the judge just vacated that order. It’s standard in such cases to order a drug test, but that has been cancelled.

The bodyguard’s charge was also reduced to a misdemeanor.

TMZ broke the story … Brown was arrested for felony assault early Sunday morning in Washington D.C. after allegedly attacking a man outside a hotel and breaking his nose.

Brown allegedly got into an argument with a man, said “I’m not down with that gay s**t, I’m into boxing,” and then punched him in the nose.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ … the fight started when the man and his friend photobombed Chris, who was posing for a picture with two girls.

Sources close to Chris insist the fight wasn’t over a photo — they say the alleged victim tried to force his way onto Chris’ tour bus, and Chris was merely trying to stop a trespass.

Brown has been in custody since the incident.

Wow, this guy might just get lucky after all? From TMZ:

Chris Brown did not throw the first punch in the fight that landed him in jail — at least that’s what an initial draft of the police report stated, and even though it’s since been corrected … the mistake could work in Chris’ favor.

Sources connected with the case tell TMZ … the first version of the police report described Chris’ bodyguard as the person who threw the punch that broke the alleged victim’s nose — and further states Chris only jumped into the fight afterward.

TMZ has reviewed the initial version of the report and we also obtained a revised copy … which now states Chris landed the bone-crushing blow.

Chris’ attorney could make hay of the mixup, and the correction.

We’re also told police videotaped Chris, the bodyguard, the alleged victim, and other witnesses describing who hit whom during the melee. Law enforcement sources say they believe some of the people on tape may be shading the truth or outright lying, so the confusion may be a bonus for Chris.