Brown Ends Wife-Smackdown Case
The Godfather of Soul has pleaded no contest to a charge of criminal domestic violence stemming from a January dispute with his wife, Tomi Rae Brown.
Originally, Brown denied the allegation and vowed to fight the charge that he knocked his missus to the ground and threatened to kill her during an argument at their home in Beech Island, South Carolina.
But late last week, the 71-year-old entertainer sent a letter to Summary Court Judge Carolyn P. Neal forfeiting his $1,087 bail and avoiding a jury trial scheduled to start Tuesday.
A no-contest plea means Brown is essentially convicted of the crime without admitting any guilt. He also gets to avoid jail time.
Brown's lawyer told the Augusta Chronicle that he forfeited his bond simply to avoid the spectacle of a trial.
"A decision had to be made about what is the least harmful to these individuals," said legal eagle Albert Dallas. "This was a private matter that was made public. This way, she would not have to testify and Mr. Brown would not have to testify."
Brown's bond covers the fine for the charge. And while he doesn't admit to the domestic violence rap, he will, however, have a conviction on his record, which had recently been wiped clean of drug and weapons offenses by South Carolina's Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.
As for Tomi Rae (alternately ID'd as Tommie Rae), she's standing by her man. Rae, also a singer, has kept mum on the abuse allegations and is currently seeking an annulment from a former hubby to ensure her union with Brown is legit.
Meanwhile, with his legal woes behind him, the "Sex Machine" singer is on the verge of launching a European tour, including a gig at England's legendary Glastonbury Festival later this month.
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