James Brown Seeks To Annul Marriage After Domestic Incident

Hours after being arrested on domestic violence charges last week, James Brown sought an annulment from his wife, Tomi Rae. According to the BBC, Brown's lawyer, Jim Huff, said that the decision was made after his wife admitted that she never had a divorce from her first marriage.

Huff said that Brown asked her to take care of the problem, but months have passed without any progress. Brown and Tomi Rae got hitched in a private ceremony back in December of 2001. The marriage was announced as her first — however according to a Texas marriage certificate, she married a man named Javed Ahmed in February 1997.

Tomi Rae is Brown's fourth wife.

Huff said that the request for an annulment doesn't mean that Brown wants to split up with her. He said that reconciliation is possible, but only if the annulment is granted, adding that any relationship between the two from now on would have to be "lawful."

The couple signed a prenuptial agreement in November 2001, which would become invalid if the annulment were granted. The Godfather Of Soul was arrested last week (January 30) for allegedly pushing Tomi Rae to the floor and threatening to kill her. Brown spent the night in prison and was released without bail.

Tomi Rae went to the hospital after the dispute to treat some cuts and bruises to her arm and hip. Brown denies the domestic abuse allegations. If convicted, Brown would have to serve a 30-day jail sentence and a $500 fine. The couple have a two-year-old son together, James Brown II. He is currently in Tomi Rae's custody.