Officials in Augusta, Ga., have delayed the unveiling of a statue honoring James Brown until the singer resolves his legal troubles.

Officials originally scheduled the unveiling for this Friday to coincide with the Godfather of Soul's 71st birthday, which is today, and the downtown music festival that was named in his honor until recently. Brown, who was born in South Carolina, grew up with his aunt in Augusta.

The former James Brown Music Festival reverted to its original name, the Garden City Music Festival, in February because of the public backlash after his Jan. 28 arrest for allegedly hitting his wife, Tomi Rae Brown. Brown has denied the allegations.

"We need to let Mr. Brown settle those issues in his private life before we move forward with a very public recognition of his professional life," Mayor Bob Young said.

Young also cited production delays. The $40,000 statue is still a clay model waiting to be cast in bronze, a process that will take at least six weeks.