James Brown's widow criticizes his children

Two daughters of the late soul singer James Brown and Brown's widow stood publicly in a show of unity Monday as they gave away turkeys to needy families in Augusta.

But before the day was over, Brown's widow, Tomi Rae Hynie Brown, was telling a different story. She told the Augusta Chronicle newspaper that Brown's children had treated her disrespectfully during the giveaway. She accused his children of making difficult her visits to the singer's grave that day, and to the South Carolina estate she had shared with Brown. She says she was mistreated by a security officer.

Deanna Brown Thomas, Brown's daughter denied Ms. Brown's allegations. She told the newspaper that she did not have a problem with Ms. Brown's visit, and that no one intentionally interfered with her time there.

James Brown's children and his widow are embroiled in a legal battle over the late singer's estate. There have also been questions raised about whether Tomi Rae Brown's marriage to the singer was valid.