File photo
James and Tomi Rae Brown arrive at 2005 Grammies.
Tattle: James Brown's estate is finally settled
THE GODFATHER OF Soul, James Brown, died on Christmas Day 2006.
The court has finally decided how to divvy up his presents.
South Carolina judge Jack Early approved a settlement yesterday that gives nearly half of Papa's bag to his charitable trust, about a quarter to his wife and young son, and the rest to his six adult children.
The settlement was a contrast to the instructions spelled out in Brown's will and trust. Some of Brown's adult children contested the bequest, claiming their father's estate had been mismanaged by trustees.
"I find that the settlement is just and reasonable and provides a just and reasonable result for the charitable beneficiaries," Judge Early wrote.
That sure sounds just and reasonable.
The value of Brown's assets has not been made public, but some of his possessions were auctioned for $850,000, partly to pay debt. Attorneys have said the singer's accounts have little money in them. Future income - from movies, royalties and the sale of Brown's likeness - is what's really at stake.
The settlement establishes that Tomi Rae Hynie Brown, Brown's fourth wife, is his surviving spouse and her son, James Brown II, is James Brown I's child.
"I am so relieved and happy that the court has approved this settlement," Tomi Rae said in a statement. "I want to be able to work with the trustees and other Brown family members to promote James Brown's legacy. My son James and I are grateful to the judge and hope this nightmare is finally over."
* After settling lawsuits against
a hospital and doctors for not properly diagnosing and treating Ed McMahon's broken neck, his attorneys have filed for dismissal of his lawsuit against billionaire Robert Day and his wife. McMahon blamed conditions at the Days' home for the fall that caused the broken neck.
No terms have been disclosed.
Another 'Buffy' serving
The Hollywood Reporter says "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" may be returning to the big screen.
Here's the rub: "Buffy" creator Joss Whedon isn't involved.
Roy Lee and Doug Davison of Vertigo Entertainment are working with original movie director Fran Rubel Kuzui and her husband, Kaz Kuzui, on the remake/relaunch. Fran has held onto the rights since she discovered the "Buffy" script from then-unknown Whedon.
A new "Buffy" film would have no connection to the TV series, nor would it use popular supporting characters like Angel, Willow, Xander or Spike. It would be Buffy with new stuffy.
Tattbits
* An official close to a Paris burglary investigation says an apartment belonging to Monica Bellucci and her husband, Vincent Cassel, was the target of a theft.
Thieves made off with more than $100,000 worth of jewelry, two laptops and Monica's Italian passport.
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