A Friendship Tested by Business
Usher Raymond, the Grammy-winning R&B superstar, is taking legal action after claiming he lost money in a failed restaurant venture. The lawsuit, filed in Fulton County Superior Court, names Bryan-Michael Cox, a producer behind some of Usher’s biggest hits like “Burn” and “U Got It Bad”, along with Keith Thomas, Charles Hughes, and attorney Alcide Honoré.
According to court filings, Usher loaned $1.7 million in early 2025 to help secure property for a high-end Buckhead restaurant called Homage ATL. The deal was supposed to purchase a $6 million property, but the transaction never materialized. Usher demanded repayment, receiving $1 million back in August, but $700,000 remains unpaid. His legal team is now seeking $4.9 million in damages, citing breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and misuse of funds.
Cox’s Response
Bryan-Michael Cox quickly issued a statement distancing himself from the financial dispute. He emphasized that he was only a “passive minority shareholder” in the company tied to the restaurant and had no operational role in the transaction. Cox described the situation as “disappointing” but insisted his 27-year friendship with Usher remains intact. He also urged caution in business dealings, noting that he has learned to be more careful about partnerships.
The Allegations
Usher’s attorneys argue that the loan was intended solely for purchasing the Buckhead property. Instead, they claim the funds were diverted for other purposes without his consent, making repayment difficult. Attorney Alcide Honoré allegedly admitted that returning the balance was “not that easy” because the money had already been deployed elsewhere.
Personal vs. Professional
Despite the lawsuit, both Usher and Cox have made efforts to separate their personal relationship from the legal battle. Cox reiterated that their bond remains strong, while Usher’s filings focus strictly on financial accountability. The case highlights the risks of mixing friendship with business, especially when large sums and high-profile names are involved.
What’s Next
The lawsuit is ongoing, with Usher pressing for full repayment and damages. Cox and the other defendants have yet to file formal responses. For fans, the dispute is bittersweet: two men who helped shape R&B’s sound now find themselves on opposite sides of a courtroom, even as they insist their friendship endures.
In short: Usher is suing Bryan-Michael Cox and others over a failed Atlanta restaurant loan, claiming $700,000 remains unpaid. Cox denies responsibility, calling himself a passive shareholder, and stresses that his decades-long friendship with Usher is unaffected.