Usher Files Lawsuit Over Unreturned Loan in Atlanta Restaurant Venture
Singer and music industry entrepreneur Usher is embroiled in a legal battle involving a restaurant project in Atlanta that failed to materialize. The artist has initiated legal proceedings against a group of investors to recover funds related to the venture.
According to the lawsuit, Usher Raymond IV provided a $1.7 million loan to a group of investors who planned to establish a restaurant and lounge named Homage ATL in Atlanta’s Buckhead district. Despite declining to invest directly in the business, Usher agreed to finance the property’s acquisition.
The funds were transferred to the trust account of Atlanta attorney Alcide Honoré, who represented certain members of the investment group and is also named in the suit. After the deal fell through, Usher sought the return of his money. He received $1 million in August, but efforts to recover the remaining $700,000 have stalled, as outlined in the court documents.
When contacted, Honoré directed inquiries to his legal counsel, Clifford Hardwick IV. Hardwick stated via email to The Associated Press, “I have no substantive comment regarding a matter that is in litigation. However, I am extremely confident that Mr. Honoré will be vindicated as to any civil liability in this case.”
Among the defendants is Bryan-Michael Cox, a record producer and songwriter, who clarified on Instagram that he holds a “passive minority shareholder” position in one of the involved entities. “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,” Cox emphasized.
The lawsuit also names two other investors from the metro Atlanta area, though at this stage, court records do not list legal representation for them.
