Usher has released an open letter to his fans and critics, regarding his personal life – more specifically his relationship with Tameka Foster. Check out the statement the singer released to PEOPLE Magazine on July 12th:

“It has already been announced that I plan to marry this year. However, since my wedding day will be special to Tameka and I, this is information that we would like to keep private. It’s disturbing that the media and bloggers (under the guise as ‘fans’) continuously speculate on the personal aspects of my life, therefore making assumptions and wrong insinuations that my fans are subject to believe.

“I am happy, excited, completely clear and independent on my direction, feelings, decisions and I am NOT BEING LED. Some media and bloggers have been totally intrusive, they have misconstrued aspects of my personal life and, because of this, my ‘true’ fans are not sure about what is fact and what is fiction. There is a difference in stating an opinion versus drawing a conclusion that is incorrect.

“As previously reported, I have NEVER threatened or harassed anyone from any media format – print, radio, television or Internet media. At this point the best thing to say to my fans is just because it sounds enticing and it MAY sound ‘true,’ that does not make it truth. I understand the fact that I must sacrifice some anonymity for the career I love, however some things are personal like having a child or a marriage. These aspects are not for the public and, to me, are sacred. I would hope my privacy in these areas would be respected.”
– Usher

It seems all the media scrutiny is getting to him. Oh well…This is a classic case of using the media when you want e.g. the Chilli/’Confessions’ saga, but when it doesn’t favour him then he starts to rant. He needs to realise that it all comes with the territory of celebrity, then again he claims to know this already. I’m thinking this may be a PR ploy in the lead-up to the release of his new album later this year.

Is Usher right to rant?