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Usher Catches Heat For Russell Simmons Bali Hang

USHER
By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Usher disappointed fans by associating with Russell Simmons despite sexual assault allegations against the Def Jam co-founder.

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” her for accusing him of rape.

Simmons denied various allegations of sexual misconduct. He insisted his past 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.