Usher is taking legal action against longtime collaborator and hitmaking producer Bryan-Michael Cox, alleging that a seven-figure loan tied to an Atlanta restaurant venture has gone partially unpaid.

The lawsuit, filed in Fulton County, centers on what the R&B superstar claims was a straightforward business arrangement that quickly unraveled.

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The GRAMMY-winning producer behind several of Usher’s chart-topping classics, such as ‘U Got It Bad’ and ‘Burn,’ reportedly approached the singer last year alongside business partners Keith Thomas, Charles Hughes, and attorney Alcide Honoré with plans to launch Homage ATL, a restaurant and lounge at 3102 Piedmont Road in Buckhead. The space, formerly occupied by Ocean Prime, was positioned as a upscale dining destination.

While the 46-year-old Usher declined to invest directly, he reportedly agreed to loan the group $1.7 million, wiring the funds to a trust account in January.

According to court documents, months passed without the property being secured. When the ‘Ruin’ crooner requested his money back over the summer, only $1 million was returned.

“The funds had been used for other purposes, making repayment not that easy.”

That admission, allegedly made by Honoré, is central to the lawsuit.

Usher is now seeking a whopping $4.9 million in damages across seven claims.

None of the defendants has filed a response as of the time of writing today (November 18)

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The post Shocker! Usher SUES Producer Friend Bryan-Michael Cox, Claims He’s Owed $700K After Failed Restaurant Loan appeared first on ..::That Grape Juice.net::.. - Thirsty?.