Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to James Brown

Public opinion and media debates around James Brown—discover key moments of controversy.

James Brown, an iconic American singer, songwriter, dancer, and musician, is widely regarded as the "Godfather of Soul" and the central progenitor of funk music. Known for his energetic performances and relentless work ethic, he earned nicknames like "Mr. Dynamite" and "the Hardest-Working Man in Show Business." His influential career spanned over five decades, shaping the development of various music genres. Brown was among the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and his music has been extensively sampled, highlighting his enduring impact on music and popular culture.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1962: Tammi Terrell Joins James Brown Revue

In 1962, Tammi Terrell joined the James Brown Revue. Brown became sexually involved with the 17 year old Terrell and physically abused her during their relationship.

1963: Incident at Club 15

In 1963, during a concert at Club 15 in Macon, Georgia, James Brown, reportedly wielding two shotguns, allegedly tried to shoot his musical rival Joe Tex, leading to multiple people being shot and stabbed.

1968: Endorsement of Hubert Humphrey in 1968

During the 1968 presidential campaign, James Brown endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Hubert Humphrey and appeared with Humphrey at political rallies. Brown was labeled an "Uncle Tom" for supporting Humphrey and also for releasing the pro-American funk song, "America Is My Home".

November 1972: Boycott and Protests in Cincinnati

In November 1972, James Brown's endorsement of Nixon's campaign during the 1972 presidential election negatively impacted his career during that period with several national Black organizations boycotting his records and protesting at his concert shows; a November 1972 show in Cincinnati was picketed with signs saying, "James Brown: Nixon's Clown".

January 1973: Withdrawal from Youth Concert

In January 1973, James Brown was initially invited to perform at a Youth Concert following Nixon's inauguration but bailed out due to the backlash he suffered from supporting Nixon. Brown blamed it on "fatigue".

July 16, 1978: Arrest After Apollo Performance

On July 16, 1978, James Brown was arrested after performing at the Apollo for reportedly failing to turn in records from one of his radio stations after the station was forced to file for bankruptcy.

1982: Alleged Regular PCP Use

By the mid-1980s, it was widely alleged that James Brown was using drugs, with Vicki Anderson confirming that Brown's regular use of PCP began before 1982.

1984: Regrets about "Say It Loud"

In 1984, James Brown stated he had regrets about recording "Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud", saying, "Now 'Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud' has done more for the black race than any other record, but if I had my choice, I wouldn't have done it, because I don't like defining anyone by race. To teach race is to teach separatism."

1984: Drug Use with Adrienne Rodriguez

In 1984, after marrying Adrienne Rodriguez, she and James Brown began using PCP together.

1987: Arrest for Assault Against Adrienne Rodriguez

In 1987, James Brown was arrested on charges of assault against his third wife, Adrienne Rodriguez.

January 1988: Facing Criminal Charges

By January 1988, James Brown faced four criminal charges within a 12-month span relating to driving, PCP, and gun possession.

April 3, 1988: Arrest for Assault

On April 3, 1988, James Brown was arrested for assault.

April 1988: Arrest and CNN Interview

After an April 1988 arrest for domestic abuse, James Brown went on the CNN program Sonia Live in L.A. with host Sonia Friedman. The interview became notorious for Brown's irreverent demeanor, with some asserting that Brown was high.

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May 1988: Arrest on Drug and Weapons Charges

In May 1988, James Brown was arrested on drug and weapons charges.

September 24, 1988: Arrest Following High-Speed Chase

On September 24, 1988, James Brown was arrested following a high-speed car chase on Interstate 20 near the Georgia–South Carolina state border.

1988: Alleged Rape by Jacque Hollander

In January 2005, a woman named Jacque Hollander filed a lawsuit against James Brown, which stemmed from an alleged 1988 rape. Hollander alleged that the incident took place in South Carolina while she was employed by Brown as a publicist.

February 27, 1991: Parole Release

On February 27, 1991, James Brown was released on parole after serving two years of a six-year prison sentence for carrying an unlicensed pistol, assaulting a police officer, and various drug-related and driving offenses.

1994: Lisa Rushton's Allegations

Between 1994 and 1999, former background singer Lisa Rushton alleged that James Brown demanded sexual favors, cut off her pay, and kept her offstage when refused. She claimed Brown touched her inappropriately and restricted her interactions with other men.

October 1995: Rodriguez Hospitalized After Assault

In October 1995, Adrienne Rodriguez was hospitalized after another assault by James Brown, during which he allegedly beat her with an iron pipe and shot at her car.

January 1996: Charges Dropped After Rodriguez's Death

In January 1996, charges against James Brown related to the assault on Adrienne Rodriguez were dropped after her death.

January 1998: Rehab and Arrest

In January 1998, James Brown spent a week in rehab to deal with an addiction to unspecified prescription drugs and was arrested a week after his release for unlawful use of a handgun and possession of cannabis.

1998: Mary Simons' Accusations

In 1998, Mary Simons accused James Brown in a civil suit of holding her captive for three days, demanding oral sex, and firing a gun in his office, though the charge was eventually dismissed.

1999: Rushton Withdraws Lawsuit

In 1999, Lisa Rushton withdrew her lawsuit against James Brown.

July 3, 2000: Incident with Electric Company Repairman

On July 3, 2000, police were summoned to James Brown's residence after he was accused of charging at an electric company repairman with a steak knife.

December 23, 2002: Wedding Ceremony with Tomi Rae Hynie

On December 23, 2002, James Brown, 69, and Hynie, 33, had a wedding ceremony that was officiated by the Rev. Larry Flyer. However, controversy arose following Brown's death regarding the validity of the marriage.

2002: Hollander's Claims Dismissed

When the case was initially heard before a judge in 2002, Hollander's claims against James Brown were dismissed by the court as the limitations period for filing the suit had expired.

January 2004: Arrest for Domestic Violence

In January 2004, James Brown was arrested in South Carolina on a domestic violence charge after Tomi Rae Hynie accused him of pushing her to the floor during an argument, causing scratches and bruises.

April 2004: Hynie's Annulment

In April 2004, Hynie's marriage to Javed Ahmed was annulled. However, this annulment occurred after she married Brown, creating legal issues regarding the validity of her marriage to Brown.

January 2005: Jacque Hollander Filed Lawsuit

In January 2005, Jacque Hollander filed a lawsuit against James Brown, which stemmed from an alleged 1988 rape.

December 2006: Traces of Cocaine Found

Prior to his death in December 2006, traces of cocaine were found in James Brown's urine when he entered Emory University Hospital.

January 24, 2007: Children File Lawsuit Regarding the Estate

On January 24, 2007, James Brown's children filed a lawsuit petitioning the court to remove the personal representatives from the estate due to perceived impropriety and alleged mismanagement of Brown's assets.

January 31, 2007: Hynie Files Lawsuit Against the Estate

On January 31, 2007, Hynie filed a lawsuit against James Brown's estate, challenging the validity of the will and the irrevocable trust, seeking recognition as Brown's widow, and requesting the appointment of a special administrator for the estate.

2007: FBI File Released

In 2007, James Brown's FBI file was released to The Washington Post under the Freedom of Information Act, related Brown's claim that the high-speed chase did not occur as claimed by the police, and that local police shot at his car several times during an incident of police harassment, and assaulted him after his arrest.

February 19, 2015: South Carolina Supreme Court Intervenes in Estate Case

On February 19, 2015, the South Carolina Supreme Court intervened, halting all lower court actions in the estate of James Brown and undertaking to review previous actions itself.

July 2018: Court of Appeals Rules Hynie Was Mr. Brown's Wife

In July 2018, the South Carolina Court of Appeals ruled that Hynie was, in fact, Mr. Brown's wife.

February 2019: Investigation into Possible Murder

In February 2019, an investigation by CNN and other journalists led to suggestions that James Brown had been murdered.

June 17, 2020: Hynie Not Legally Married

On June 17, 2020, the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that Hynie was not legally married to Brown due to her failure to annul her previous marriage, thus denying her any rights to his estate.