James Brown statue on hold after domestic assault charge

Plans by Augusta to build a statue of James Brown and to rename an annual music festival for him are on hold after Brown's arrest on a domestic violence charge last week.

Brown, 70, has denied accusations that he pushed his wife to the floor and threatened her with a chair. Mayor Bob Young said he is awaiting the outcome of the case before deciding whether to erect the statue of Brown, who grew up in Augusta.

Brenda Durant, executive director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council, said her organisation would meet city officials and James Brown Enterprises to decide whether to rename the May music festival after the entertainer.