Grammy-winning Atlanta native Usher is suing his business partners, alleging they failed to use his $1.7 million loan as designated: for the purchase of a Buckhead property intended for a new restaurant.
The lawsuit states that a group of businessmen approached the R&B singer in late 2024 about investing in their new dining and lounge venture, Homage ATL. While Usher declined to become an investor, court documents state he agreed to loan the sum specifically for acquiring the property, according to 11 Alive.
According to court documents, Usher’s loan was solicited by a business group comprised of Keith Thomas, Bryan Michael-Cox, and Charles Hughes.
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The men’s lawyer drafted the LLC Operating Agreement for the restaurant. Per the documents, both UAF and NGI signed this agreement in September 2024 to facilitate the purchase of the Buckhead property for $6,350,000.
The businessmen later contacted Usher’s team urgently, requesting an immediate loan for the property purchase. Legal documents claim that instructions for wiring the funds were provided, and the money was transferred that same day.
However, by the spring of 2025, no investment agreement was finalized between Usher and the business group, and the intended Buckhead property was never acquired, legal documents stated.
In the summer of the same year, an agreement was still not reached, and Usher called for the business group to repay him in full. According to legal documents, the singer was repaid $1 million in August 2025, but he has not received the remaining $700,000.
Usher is demanding immediate repayment of the loan, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, and any other relief the court deems appropriate, as the money was not used for the agreed-upon purchase of the Buckhead Property. Reports said the singer is demanding $4.9 million in damages, which amounts to $700,000 for each of the claims in the lawsuit.
Legal documents indicate that the businessmen’s lawyer admitted the “Raymond Loan” balance was disbursed and that its return was “not that easy” because it had been used for “other purposes.” Usher is also demanding a trial by jury.
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Bryan Michael-Cox addressed the situation on Instagram, stating he did not “orchestrate the failed deal,” nor was he involved in the transaction, and is not a party to the ongoing legal conflict, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. He also emphasized that his 27-year friendship with Usher is unaffected.
He wrote, “I’ve learned a lot recently about being careful with who you choose to invest in a business with. No matter how small the investment….
“I’m currently in the middle of a failed deal that I didn’t orchestrate, and while the situation has been disappointing, I know my name will be cleared by both sides. It’s just unfortunate that this clarity didn’t come sooner.
“My legal team has also advised me of a lawsuit involving a company where I am only a passive minority shareholder. I was not a participant in that business transaction and have no involvement in the ongoing legal process. While I’m unable to share more details right now, I want to make one thing absolutely clear: my 27-year friendship with @usher remains fully intact.
“I appreciate everyone who has reached out with concern. Thank you for the love, the patience, and the understanding.”
