ATLANTA – In a legal battle unfolding in Atlanta, renowned music artist and entertainment mogul Usher is taking legal action against a group of investors over a failed restaurant and lounge venture.

According to recent filings in an Atlanta court, Usher Raymond IV had extended a substantial loan of $1.7 million to these investors to facilitate the purchase of property for the proposed Homage ATL. Despite declining an investment role, Usher agreed to financially support the initiative through this loan.

The legal dispute traces back to late 2024 when three men approached Usher with aspirations to establish a new dining and entertainment venue in the bustling Buckhead neighborhood. The singer chose not to invest in Homage ATL personally but opted to assist by lending the funds necessary for securing the property.

Complications arose when the funds, which had been entrusted to the account of Atlanta attorney Alcide Honoré—representing some of the investors—did not result in a completed deal. Usher attempted to reclaim his investment, successfully retrieving $1 million in August. However, attempts to recover the remaining $700,000 have since stalled, leading to a breakdown in communication, as detailed in the lawsuit.

On Wednesday, Honoré directed inquiries to his legal counsel, who has yet to provide a response to calls and emails seeking comment.

One of the defendants named in the lawsuit, record producer and songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox, said on Instagram that he is “a passive minority shareholder” in one of the companies involved. “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.”

Two other men in the investment group, both from metro Atlanta, are also named as defendants. No lawyers for them were listed in the court records at this early stage of the lawsuit.