James Brown released from jail on domestic violence charge

Jet, Feb 16, 2004

Godfather of Soul James Brown was recently released from jail after he was arrested on a domestic violence charge and was told not to contact his wife, whom he's accused of pushing to the floor.

Brown, 70, arrested the previous day at the couple's Beech Island, SC, home, denied the charge at a hearing. "the main thing is, I would never hurt my wife and beat up on her like that," Brown said. "I love her very much."

Investigators said Brown pushed 33-year-old Tomi Rae Brown to the floor during an argument in a bedroom. She had scratches and bruises and was taken to an Augusta, GA, hospital, Aiken County police said.

During a 911 call, the couple is heard arguing before Mrs. Brown tells the dispatcher she needs an ambulance. "My husband just, me and him got in a fight, and he decided he wanted to pick up some things and throw them around. And I got in the way and he threw me down to the ground. He held an iron chair over me."

If convicted, Brown faces a maximum $500 fine and 30 days in jail.

Brown's lawyer, Jim Huff, said he hopes the "humor will die down" from Brown's mug shot.

He explained that Brown was among 300,000 South Carolinians who lost power after an ice storm. "We would have liked for him to have had a chance ... to change into street clothes," Huff said. "Mr. Brown had been at home without power for three days. No baths. So yes, he looked less than what he usually does."

The couple announced the breakup of their marriage last year.