R&B superstar Usher has filed a lawsuit in Fulton County, Georgia, claiming he loaned $1.7 million for a planned Atlanta restaurant that never opened and is now demanding repayment and damages.
Key Details of the Lawsuit
- The suit, filed November 14 2025, names Bryan‑Michael Cox, entertainment lawyer Alcide Honoré, Keith Thomas and Charles Hughes as defendants.
- Usher alleges that in early 2024 he was approached to loan money for a luxury restaurant and lounge in Buckhead called “Homage ATL”. He wired $1.7 million in January to a trust account for the purchase of land.
- According to court documents, by August 2025 Usher had been repaid only $1 million, leaving $700,000 unpaid. He claims the remaining balance was used for other unspecified purposes without his approval.
- Usher is seeking a total of $4.9 million in damages, which includes the unpaid loan plus restitution, legal fees and other claims.
- Bryan‑Michael Cox has publicly stated that he was a passive minority shareholder in the venture and denies orchestrating the deal. He also emphasized his 27‑year friendship with Usher remains intact.
Why This Matters
- The lawsuit marks a rare case where a high‑profile musician pursues legal action against a long‑time collaborator over business dealings, underscoring issues of trust and financial oversight in celebrity ventures.
- For Usher, who built a brand around entertainment, lifestyle and investment, the dispute highlights the challenges of branching into hospitality with partners.
- The involvement of Bryan‑Michael Cox, a major figure in R&B production (having worked on hits like “U Got It Bad” and “Burn”), adds weight to the case and raises questions about how celebrity‑backed business ventures are structured and managed.
What to Watch Next
- Whether the court will grant discovery and require the defendants to produce financial records, trust‑account statements and property transaction documents.
- Whether any of the defendants will file counter‑claims or move to dismiss based on contract terms, investment structure or authorized use of funds.
- How the story impacts all parties’ reputations — especially Usher’s investing brand, Bryan‑Michael Cox’s standing in the industry, and the broader trust around celebrity‑backed ventures.
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