Chris Brown is defending his decision to pose in a photograph was a transgender fan. The controversial image appeared online this week, causing MediaTakeOut to take a dig at the R&B singer with this insensitive headline:

“R&B Singer Chris Brown Photo’d In The Club … With A Tr*nney!!!”

The website adds:

“Look at the way Chris is CHEESING … and the way he’s leaning in like that … we knew it!!!”

We’re not sure what exactly MTO “knew,” but Brown didn’t appreciate the website attacking him or his fan.

“MTO! I have all kinds of fans that come to my shows! I respect each and every one of them!”

That’s funny coming from a man who went on a homophobic Twitter rant in 2010 — but maybe Brown is growing up. Good for him.

Slideshow: Chris Brown's Greatest Hits