James Brown Battle Continues

I have previously discussed the education charity established by the late music legend James Brown.  The South Carolina Supreme Court recently made a decision as to why the “I Feel Good” Trust remains in limbo after eight years.  The Supreme Court accepted two appeals filed by former Brown trustee Adele Pope of Newberry, who served as co-trustee of the Brown estate with Robert Buchanan of Aiken from late 2007 to early 2009. 

The appeals are related to orders issued in Aiken County in June 2013, only weeks after the Supreme Court voided a settlement deal worked by former Attorney General (AG) Henry McMaster. Under the McMaster settlement, those who contested Brown’s will received over half of what he left to charity.  The McMaster settlement was appealed and the Supreme Court subsequently overturned the deal.  Multiple appeals and have been filed regarding the “disbursement of Brown’s noble estate plan.” 

Last week, Supreme Court accepted from the Court of Appeals a James Brown Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit. 

See Sue Summer, Brown Settlement Under Scrutiny, Herald Independent, Jan. 13, 2015.