US R&B star Chris Brown has requested that his name be removed from the shortlist for this year's Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards.

Brown, who was nominated for two awards, is currently facing an assault charge following an alleged altercation with his girlfriend, singer Rihanna, in Los Angeles last month.

A spokesperson for Brown said he welcomed his nominations for Favourite Male and Song but was concerned that "the incident last month has shifted the focus from the music".

Despite facing pressure from parents to withdraw Brown's name from the awards' shortlist, Nickelodeon had stood by the singer.

"Chris Brown was nominated by kids several months ago based on his body of work as performer, and the kids who vote will ultimately decide who wins in the category," spokesman Dan Martinsen said.

The Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards are the most high profile children's TV awards in the US.

Brown will find out next month whether he faces jail time over the reported incident involving Rihanna, which took place hours before the Grammy Awards on February 8th.

The singer has already issued a public apology over the reported incident. Rihanna has refused to comment.

(by Jason Gregory)