James Brown's estate finally settled

Behind the Scenes

By Antracia Merrill-Moorings

Estate Settled: After years of hearings in a protracted battle over how to parcel out James Brown’s wealth, a South Carolina judge approved a settlement recently that gives nearly half of it to his charitable trust, about a quarter to his wife and young son, and the rest to Brown’s adult children. The settlement was a contrast to the instructions spelled out in Brown’s will and trust after his death on Christmas Day 2006. Some of Brown’s adult children contested the bequest, claiming their father’s estate was mismanaged by trustees. “I find that the settlement is just and reasonable and provides a just and reasonable result for the charitable beneficiaries,” Judge Jack Early wrote. “From the perspective of the charitable beneficiaries, the risks of not approving the settlement agreement are substantial.” The exact value of Brown’s assets has not been made public. During numerous court hearings since the Godfather of Soul’s death, however, there have been claims of unpaid debts, inadequate accounting and misappropriated money. Some of the soul singer’s possessions were auctioned for $850,000, partly to pay debt. Attorneys have said the soul singer’s accounts have little money in them. The future income— from movies, royalties and the sale of Brown’s likeness— is what’s really at stake, attorneys have said. The settlement establishes that Tomi Rae Hynie Brown is the surviving spouse of the Godfather of Soul and her son is James Brown’s child. James Brown II will not be required to take a DNA test.

Up For Sale: BET founder Robert Johnson is reportedly thinking about selling his majority stake of the Charlotte Bobcats after losing tens of millions of dollars in the venture, reports the Canadian Press. Johnson became the first black majority owner of a major professional sports team when he paid $300 million for the expansion franchise in 2003, just over a year after the Hornets left Charlotte for New Orleans. But, he has yet to turn a profit because of poor attendance, lagging sponsorship sales and a failed attempt to start a regional sports television network. His decision to sell could pave the way for minority investor Michael Jordan to take control of the team—if he’s willing to meet Johnson’s price. Forbes magazine recently valued the team at $284 million, which is less than Johnson’s expansion fee. The team plays in a city hard hit by the financial crisis, and the credit crunch could hurt any deal of that magnitude. The team, however, also keeps all profits from the downtown Charlotte arena it operates and the Bobcats have improved on the court. Jordan hired Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown last year and he guided the Bobcats to a 35-47 record, the best in the franchise‘s five seasons.

Briefly, Kimora Lee Simmons and actor-boyfriend Djimon Hounsou are the proud parents of a baby boy born on May 30. The new addition joins Ming Lee, nine, and Aoki Lee, six-and-ahalf, Kimora’s daughters with Russell Simmons. The newborn is the first child for Hounsou, 45.… In other baby news, former “Family Matters” star Jaimee Foxworth and her longtime boyfriend Michael Shaw are the proud new parents of a baby boy, her rep confirms to People.com. The actress gave birth to Michael Douglas Shaw Jr. in Los Angeles on Friday10 days after her due date. The little one weighed in at 6 lbs., 11 oz., and was 19 ¼ inches long. “This is the best day of my life,” Foxworth, 29, shared—via text— from the delivery room. “I am so excited to be a mother and I also look forward to getting back to work.”

Finally, Rap icon Grandmaster Flash will be honored with the Living Legend prize at the upcoming Urban Music Awards. He will pick up the tribute at the July (’09) bash at the Highline Ballroom, Manhattan in recognition of his highly successful 40-year career.

This is part of the June 10, 2009 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

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