James Brown sued over rape claims

Soul singer James Brown is being sued by a former employee who has alleged he raped her in 1988.

Jacque Hollander, 48, who worked as a public relations assistant to the star, states the BBC and is seeking $100m (£53m) damages. She claims the attack took place in the back of a van off a South Carolina highway and the singer forced her to undress at gunpoint.

The 71-year-old's manager said the allegation was "absurd" and "does not warrant any comment". Ms Hollander also alleged Brown battered her and slammed her head against the car's interior for several hours.

She is suing for compensation after being diagnosed with a neurological disorder she claims was caused by her "rape and torture".

The complaint - which has been lodged in court in Illinois - is a civil matter, meaning Brown will not face criminal charges. Ms Hollander's spokesman Paul Leech said she tried to file criminal charges against but the case did not proceed.

"He was so popular in those days and she was very fearful," he said. "She has only recently gathered the strength to do this."

The singer has had a number of brushes with the law, including claims over domestic violence, drug charges and weapons possession.

In 2002, Brown was cleared in a case of sexual harassment lodged by a former employee, who went on to be awarded damages for wrongful dismissal.

Brown, who has recorded more than 50 albums, was treated for prostate cancer in December. Surgery was described as successful and he is expected to make a full recovery.
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