Usher Files for Divorce

It looks like pop star Usher Raymond IV is having it his way.

The Grammy-winning R&B star and Atlanta resident filed for divorce from Tameka Foster, his wife of less than two years. The petition was filed late Friday afternoon in Fulton County Superior Court, according to court records.

A hearing has been set for July 15 in front of Judge Bensonetta Tipton Lane.

Rumors had been circulating since May that the two had split, and there have been reports that they have been separated for almost a year.

Raymond, 30, and Foster, his former stylist who is eight years older, were married in a private ceremony in the summer of 2007.

Major buzz was made about the marriage after it was reported that his mother, Jonetta Patton, didn't approve of Foster. Not long after announcing the engagement in March 2007, Usher fired his then-manager mom.

In June, the couple announced they were expecting their first child, and a wedding was to be held in July at Island Def Jam Chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid's home in the Hamptons.

But the ceremony was called off the day it was to take place, and publicist Patti Webster released the news in a written statement to The Associated Press. Usher insisted the couple would make it down the aisle.

"As of right now we don't have a date but we will let you know when we do," the singer told USmagazine.com. "Everybody's fine. Tameka and the baby are fine."

By the first week of August 2007, Usher announced the couple were married.

Weeks later, a ceremony was reportedly held at Chateau Elan in Braselton.

The couple has two sons together, 1 1/2-year-old Usher Raymond V and 6-month-old Naviyd Ely Raymond. Foster also has three children from a previous marriage.

Usher has spent half of his life making music, and his hits include "Confessions," "Burn," "You Make Me Wanna" and "Yeah!"

His first solo album was released in 1994, before he had his driver's license.

Usher credits his mom with signing him for the talent show that led to his break.

In addition to his music, Usher lately has become quite the philanthropist.

In May, Usher was among six new members of the Woodruff Arts Center board of trustees. He is the only entertainer on the 79-member board. He was also inducted in the Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni Hall of Fame.

And in February, Usher testified before the House Education and Labor Committee about his Atlanta-based New Look Foundation for youths. The foundation helps teach young people about the entertainment and sports industries.

In January, the Inman Park franchise of the Grape that Usher opened to widespread publicity in late 2006 closed. The shop was a wine bar, bistro and wine retailer rolled into one.

SOURCE: Access Atlanta

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