Usher Hits Bryan-Michael Cox with Nearly $5 Million Lawsuit

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Usher is suing his producer, Bryan-Michael Cox, and others for almost $5 million. The lawsuit stems from a loan related to a restaurant planned for Atlanta that was never built, according to court documents obtained by Billboard.

Usher says that music producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, famous for songs like “U Got It Bad” and “Burn,” asked him to invest in a new, upscale restaurant and lounge in Atlanta called Homage ATL in 2024. Usher decided not to become a partner, but he did lend the project $1.7 million, sending the money in January.

After several months passed without the restaurant being bought, Usher requested a refund. He states he received $1 million in August, but is still missing $700,000.

Usher says his lawyer, Alcide Honoré, explained that getting the money back wasn’t simple because it had already been spent, though the lawyer didn’t say what it was used for.

Usher is suing Cox, Honoré, and their business partners Keith Thomas and Charles Hughes. He claims they misused funds he loaned them, which were specifically intended to buy a property in Buckhead. According to the lawsuit, the money was instead used for other things, resulting in a financial loss for Usher. His lawyers state that Usher provided the loan only for the Buckhead property purchase, and the group failed to buy it, choosing to use the money elsewhere.

Cox clarified on Instagram that he’s a minor investor in the project but wasn’t involved in the deal itself. He also emphasized that his 27-year friendship with Usher is still strong.

Cox, Thomas, and Hughes are being sued for breaking a contract and unfairly benefiting from it. Honoré, on the other hand, is accused of mishandling property entrusted to him, acting carelessly, and failing to fulfill his responsibilities as a trustee.

Usher’s legal team claims Honoré confessed to spending the loan money on other things and stated they would only repay it after the property was bought and a new loan was secured on it.

Usher states that talks about opening a new restaurant began in 2024, with the goal of creating a one-of-a-kind dining experience. He chose not to invest in the project himself, but he did agree to loan money to help purchase the property, which was worth over $6 million. Ultimately, the deal fell through, and Usher hasn’t been repaid the full amount he loaned.

This case shows how messy business arrangements can get for celebrities when projects fall through. Usher’s lawyers are aiming to recover all lost funds and hold those responsible accountable.

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2025-11-19 21:44