International superstar Rihanna has finally confirmed that she is back with Chris Brown, insisting she can "handle" the backlash as a result of her controversial decision.

The stunning star has faced an abundance of criticism for letting her ex-boyfriend back into her life in recent months.

Rihanna - whose romance with Brown ended in 2009 when he assaulted her - is ignoring the disapproval surrounding her relationship with the R&B singer from now on though.

In an interview with the latest issue of Rolling Stone she explained: "I decided it was more important for me to be happy. I wasn't going to let anybody's opinion get in the way of [my happiness]. Even if it's a mistake, it's my mistake. After being tormented for so many years, being angry and dark, I'd rather just live my truth and take the backlash. I can handle it.

She added: "When you add up the pieces from the outside, it's not the cutest puzzle in the world...”

Rihanna insists the couple have matured since their relationship was rocked in 2009.

She continued: “But it's different now. We don't have those types of arguments anymore. We talk about [stuff]. We value each other. We know exactly what we have now, and we don't want to lose that.

Talking about the reaction to her decision, Rihanna added: "It makes me feel great to know that people care. I guess it's just something that will show with time. There's nothing I could say that would convince you right now. But we're in a great place. And I can't ever see us going back.”