Soul star won’t fight charges

SINGER 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 $1,200 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”.