Usher caught flack for spending time with Russell Simmons, who’s been accused of sexual assault. Fans were frustrated after Simmons shared footage and photos of the two in Bali on social media.
“Morning flow with a bunch of really happy Bali friends the generosity of spirit exuded by my friend @usher was amazing,” Simmons wrote in an Instagram post. “Fyi people were / are always so happy to be in his presence …so when i / they practice with him its a honor and privilege but the presence and attention he gives to each person is a gift its tough to be present with so many of us ‘fans’ each one of us demanding presence and focus its rare that a person can give so much w/ out it draining his energy … His quote when asked about the energy needed to accommodate so many was God ‘Its not me giving its God through me so it easy.’ this is pure yoga.”
Usher hung out with Simmons just a few weeks after Drew Dixon, one of Simmons’ alleged victims, sued the Def Jam co-founder for defamation. Dixon claimed Simmons carried out a “malicious campaign to discredit” for accusing him of raping her.
Simmons denied various allegations of sexual misconduct. He insisted all his sexual experiences with women were consensual in a December 2023 interview with Graham Bensinger. Drew referenced the interview in her defamation lawsuit.
Usher associated with Simmons at a time when the singer’s name became attached to a shocking lawsuit against Diddy. Producer Lil Rod claimed Diddy had sex with Usher, among others, in a complaint filed on February 26. Usher’s name was redacted in the court documents, but observers quickly figured out the allegations were referencing him due to identifiers in the lawsuit. Lil Rod said Diddy had sex with an R&B singer who performed at the Super Bowl and had a successful Las Vegas residency.
View some of the reactions to Usher chilling with Simmons in Bali below.
Russell Simmons is a r!pist and Usher has chosen to be in his presence as a friend. So it’s f### him too. And yes, this is a recent video! pic.twitter.com/AWg8Jxle36
— MrsBundrige (@MrsBundrige) March 4, 2024
Usher taking pics with Russell Simmons and making them public was definitely a choice. No way he’s oblivious to those allegations and why he’s in Bal.
— nope (@PrinceHAK33M) March 4, 2024
So disappointed in Usher ☹️
— Jasmyn (@JasmynBeKnowing) March 4, 2024
Why did Usher think that this was a good pic to post of Russell Simmons??? 😳🤔😑 pic.twitter.com/DqvNMhKlYo
— SinnamonSCouture (@SinnamonCouture) March 4, 2024
Usher should not have posted that pic with Russell Simmons. Taraji P Henson did it too. You have to be aware at all times. pic.twitter.com/91aZfRj96R
— BOTUS (@BlkonBlk_Tiff) March 4, 2024
I knew the day would come where Usher would publicly embarrass and disappoint me but right now n####? Like you deadass 4real?? pic.twitter.com/Tt6SNXKGcB
— The Neighborhood Publicist (@nhoodpublicist) March 4, 2024
Usher wyd https://t.co/PIRsAWqUtg pic.twitter.com/Bs0C30GaTN
— Daddy Fat Sax (@UnhUnh_GetMoney) March 4, 2024
Usher please don’t make me do this pic.twitter.com/CRtQNikn6v
— The Purse Dealer ✨ (@hausofsyy) March 4, 2024
Well Usher, that was a f### up
— Van “#1 Voice in Wrestling Media” Lathan Jr (@VanLathan) March 4, 2024
Usher is doing what men usually do which is squander good will so lmao
— The Original Lisa Vandercunt (@robinwannabefly) March 4, 2024