Rita Ora thinks ''no one cares'' about Chris Brown's criminal record provided he makes good music.

The 24-year-old pop star has collaborated with the controversial singer on a new song and has launched a staunch defence of Chris, who was convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend Rihanna after a pre-Grammy party in 2009.

She said: ''Chris Brown is strong, powerful and someone that is important to me personally and professionally.

''The discrimination and all what people think? If you have a great song then no one cares.''

Rita insisted that despite the controversy surrounding Chris, she believes he's fundamentally a ''good person'' and is proud to have worked with him.

She told The Sun newspaper: ''I love him on different levels. I see how he treats his people and he's a good person with a good heart and a lovely family.

''It's really nice that we finally got together because, regardless of what's happened, the song is just amazing.''

Meanwhile, Chris - who has daughter Royalty with former lover Nia Guzman - confessed recently he is still ''learning to be a dad''.

The 'Loyal' hitmaker said: ''My main focus now is just my music, but my daughter first. When it comes to me being able to perform and do this, it's cool. But for right now, I'm doing it all for her.

''For right now, I'm learning how to be a dad so through the process, it's good for me to actually just be able to grow with her and get that one-on-one time.''