Usher is taking legal action after claiming he lost millions in a failed restaurant venture he says never made it past the planning stages.
According to WSBTV, the singer—born Usher Raymond—filed a lawsuit in Fulton County on Friday (Nov. 14), alleging that several individuals he trusted, including longtime collaborator Bryan-Michael Cox, were involved in a business deal that collapsed before the restaurant ever opened its doors.
Cox, who helped craft some of Usher’s biggest hits such as “U Got It Bad,” “Burn,” and “Confessions Part II,” is among the names listed in the suit, along with Keith Thomas, Charles Hughes, and entertainment lawyer Alcide Honoré.
(FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) In this image released on August 2, Usher performs onstage during a taping of iHeartRadio’s Living Black 2023 Block Party in Inglewood, California.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
Usher claims he fronted the group $700,000 as an advance to get an Atlanta-based restaurant up and running, only for the project to stall indefinitely. The lawsuit asserts the business “never got off the ground,” leaving the superstar out a sizable investment he now wants fully reimbursed.
In the aftermath of the filing, Bryan-Michael Cox released a statement distancing himself from the alleged dealings while emphasizing that the issue has not harmed his bond with Usher. ”
My legal team has advised me of a lawsuit involving a company where I am a passive minority shareholder,” the producer wrote.
Bryan-Michael Cox attends Ted Reid’s Reception Presented By the Rhythm And Blues Foundation on January 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
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“I was not a participant in the business transaction and have no involvement in the ongoing legal process. While I am unable to share additional details at this time, I want to affirm that my 27-year friendship with Usher remains fully intact.“
Keith Thomas also defended Cox in a message posted to his Instagram Story, praising the producer’s character and urging fans not to jump to conclusions. “My brother @bryanmichaelcox is one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet,” Thomas wrote.
(L-R) Usher and Keith Thomas attend Ladies Love R&B Wednesdays at Flo on June 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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“He would never take a dime from anyone. If anything, he would give you his last. So please be kind and remember that everything you read isn’t always what it seems.”
As the lawsuit moves forward, Usher’s team is pushing for accountability, while those named in the filing appear intent on keeping personal relationships out of the legal fray
See Keith Thomas’ Instagram Story post below.
