It seems even superstars can face business ventures that don’t pan out as planned. R&B icon Usher has filed a lawsuit against his longtime producer, Bryan-Michael Cox, over a substantial loan for a restaurant that never got off the ground.
The Homage ATL Deal
According to court documents, Cox, known for producing hits like Usher’s ‘U Got It Bad’ and ‘Burn,’ approached the singer in 2024 with a proposal to invest in a new Atlanta restaurant and lounge called Homage ATL. Usher, though initially hesitant, agreed to loan the group, which also includes entertainment lawyer Alcide Honoré and industry figures Keith Thomas and Charles Hughes, a sum of $1.7 million.
The funds were reportedly wired in January, with the expectation that the property for the restaurant would be purchased. However, months passed without any progress on the location, leading Usher to request repayment of the loan.
Unpaid Loan and Legal Action
Usher claims he received $1 million back in August but is still missing the remaining $700,000. The lawsuit alleges that Honoré explained the repayment was complicated because the money had already been spent on ‘other purposes,’ though specifics were not provided.
As a result, Usher is seeking $4.9 million in damages, with $700,000 attributed to each of the claims made in the lawsuit. This legal action highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls of business partnerships, even among long-standing friends.
Cox Maintains Friendship
Following the news, Bryan-Michael Cox took to Instagram to address the situation. He posted photos of himself and Usher, emphasizing that their 27-year friendship remains strong. Cox stated that he is caught in a ‘failed deal that I didn’t orchestrate’ and is confident his name will be cleared.
My 27-year friendship with @usher remains fully intact. — Bryan-Michael Cox
He further clarified that he was a ‘passive minority shareholder’ and not directly involved in the business transaction, advising caution when investing with others. Usher himself has not publicly commented on the lawsuit.
What are your thoughts on this business dispute between Usher and Bryan-Michael Cox? Share your opinions in the comments below!