Usher Raymond has launched a rare legal action against one of his closest creative partners, filing a lawsuit in Fulton County that names songwriter and producer Bryan-Michael Cox as a central defendant.
The complaint accuses Cox, along with entertainment figures Keith Thomas and Charles Hughes and their attorney, Alcide Honoré, of mishandling a $1.7 million loan tied to a planned upscale Atlanta restaurant. Usher claims the group failed to repay the full amount and argues that their actions represent a serious breach of trust.
According to the filing, the dispute began when the defendants approached Usher with a proposal for Homage ATL, a luxury restaurant and lounge they sought to open in Buckhead. They identified the former Ocean Prime site on Piedmont Road as the intended location.
Usher agreed to support the venture financially but made clear he did not intend to become an investor. Instead, he provided a loan, wiring $1.7 million to Honoré’s trust account in January.
Usher Files Lawsuit Against Bryan Michael-Cox & Associates Over Homage ATL Loan
The suit states that the project made no visible progress in the months that followed. Usher asked for his funds to be returned over the summer and later received a $1 million partial repayment. The remaining $700,000, however, remains outstanding.
Honoré allegedly told Usher that repaying the balance was difficult because the funds had been spent on unspecified “other purposes.” Usher contends that the defendants misrepresented the project and misused the loan. He now seeks $4.9 million in damages, asserting claims that include conversion, fraud, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment.
Cox’s inclusion in the lawsuit drew immediate attention due to his historic relationship with Usher. The producer helped craft some of Usher’s most enduring singles, including “Burn,” “U Got It Bad,” and “Confessions Part II,” and played a major role in shaping the sound of Confessions, one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century. Cox’s work across R&B has earned him industry acclaim and longstanding professional ties with Usher.
The case could reshape a decades-long creative partnership. The court may order audits, communication reviews, and examinations of trust accounts. This will determine how the money was spent and whether the defendants acted negligently or deliberately.
The findings may determine both financial liability and the future of the relationship between Usher and Cox.
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