Soul legend James Brown is being sued by a former employee who says she was sacked for refusing his sexual advances.

Brown's lawyers unsuccessfully attempted to get the lawsuit dismissed, claiming a Los Angeles court had no jurisdiction.

Plaintiff Lisa Agbalaya, who is claiming $2m (�1.37m) for wrongful termination and sexual harassment, worked for The New James Brown Enterprises offices in California from 1993.

She said that from 1999, Brown was habitually smoking marijuana in the office and began "a consistent pattern of discrimination and harassment".

Debra Opri, representing Brown, said outside court that he "has long held that he has become a target (for) easy money", and will fight the allegations.

'Disgruntled'

Because the company is based in Georgia, Ms Opri tried to argue that holding a trial in Los Angeles placed a "heavy burden" on the defendant to fly witnesses in.

Ms Agbalaya says she was continually harassed by Brown and that he demanded sex from her and other female employees.

Ms Opri called Ms Agbalaya a "disgruntled employee" and said they would "adamantly deny" all of the charges.

Brown was not present during the hearing as he is touring Europe.

The trial has been re-scheduled from 17 September to 28 January.

James Brown is one of the most successful ever US R&B artists.

Over a 39-year period, Brown has amassed 98 entries on Billboard's Top 40 R&B singles charts, a record unsurpassed by any other artist.

Seventeen of those songs reached number one, a feat topped only by Stevie Wonder and Louis Jordan, and equalled only by Aretha Franklin.