Soul 'godfather' settles domestic violence case

Entertainer James Brown has agreed to forgo a jury trial and not contest a domestic violence charge because he “wanted to keep his family matters private”.

The 71-year-old Godfather of Soul was arrested in January and accused of pushing his wife, Tommie Rae Hynie, to the ground and threatening to kill her.

Brown initially said he would fight the charge but instead forfeited his €1,000 bail, which will cover a fine for the offence.

Brown’s lawyer, Jim Huff, said the action was the same as being convicted but “Mr Brown does not admit to being guilty of this crime”.

Huff added that the entertainer did not want his wife to have to testify at a trial.

“A public trial would subject Tommie Rae Hynie to cross examination and challenge her veracity which would have the potential of harming Mr Brown and Ms Hynie’s relationship,” a letter to prosecutors said.

“My client desires to avoid this.”

Frank Copsidas of Intrigue Music, Brown’s management firm, said the decision was made to “keep their family matters private”.

Brown’s decision not to seek a trial will not affect a pardon he received from the state of South Carolina in 2003 for seven convictions over a 10-year period. Most of the offences involved guns or drugs.