James Brown’s statue on ice

The unveiling of a statue honoring singer James Brown has been delayed by the city of Augusta, Ga., until he resolves legal matters.

The statue’s debut had been scheduled for this week, to coincide with the Godfather of Soul’s 71st birthday and a downtown music festival that was, until recently, named in his honor. The festival reverted to its original name, the Garden City Music Festival, after a public backlash over Brown’s Jan. 28 arrest for allegedly hitting his wife, Tomi Rae Brown. James Brown has denied the allegations.

“We need to let Mr. Brown settle those issues in his private life before we move forward with a very public recognition of his professional life,” Mayor Bob Young said.