Usher‘s name may become synonymous with a different kind of ‘Burn’ – if new reports prove true.

Radar Online have gone to press with court documents, which appear to prove that the singer settled a lawsuit levied against him by a stylist who claimed he infected her with the herpes virus.

The amount he paid in damages? A reported $1.1 million.

Interestingly, the narrative isn’t recent and actually dates back to 2012.

Per the filing, Usher was diagnosed with the virus at some point between 2009 and 2010 (after his divorce from Tameka Foster, who he cheated on) and was accused of having unprotected sex with the alleged victim without telling her.

Indeed, even when a “greenish discharge” appeared from his penis, he insisted he had tested negative for STDs.

Taking this at face value, the claimant continued her “relationship” with the singer. However, per court docs, she was later allegedly diagnosed with herpes, complete with symptoms such as vaginal sores and high fever.

California state law makes it crystal clear that it is a crime to knowingly or recklessly transmit an STD.

In a bid to perhaps smooth things over after allegedly getting his Dr call the claimant to reveal his true status, court docs show that Usher paid some of the victim’s medical bills – with the 2012 tally should $2,754.40.

Paying the bills allegedly formed part of the singer’s desire to deal with the matter outside of the legal system. He was said to be extremely apologetic about the situation. Yet, that didn’t cut it for the accuser. In her filing, she said that she “feels that her health and body have been ruined,” and that she “has suffered severe emotional distress and has been extremely depressed … knowing there is no cure.”

Usher seemingly agreed and cut the bigger check to settle the drama.

Now 38, the singer is married to Grace Miguel (his former manager). They tied the knot in 2015 after years of dating.

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On the one hand, one has to wonder why this is making its way into public domain a) now and b) at all. Aspects of it feel grossly invasive.

And yet (if true) such recklessness naturally leaves one open the mass scrutiny he’s getting now.

It’ll be intriguing to see if he makes a statement.

Your thoughts?

Queen of Pop Madonna has earned the title of ‘royal b*tch’ from the staunchest supporters of her biggest contemporaries over the years.

Most recently dominating headlines for a resurfaced letter that saw her refer to Whitney Houston as ‘horribly mediocre’ (click here to read more if you missed it), she not only infuriated the ‘I Will Always Love You’ singer’s stans, but also added them to a long list of fan groups who have penciled her name atop their hitlist.  A list that features the likes of Lady Gaga, Prince, Michael and Janet Jackson, Cher, Mariah Carey, and many more, Madge’s mouth has certainly incited no shortage of fury over her nearly 4 decade long career.

Now, for this week’s “Top 5,” That Grape Juice looks back at her top 5 feuds.  Look below to see if your favorite made the cut:

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Ciara is winning and so is her adorable son – Future Zahir.

Taking to social media, the R&B chanteuse revealed that the 3-year-old (whose father us rapper Future) has landed a major campaign with GAP Kids.

Peep her announcement, as well as his first press shot below…

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“Is that Beyonce or Becky With The Good Hair?”

This is just one of many responses from fans of Queen Bey after the unveiling of her latest waxwork at Madame Tussauds New York.

Looking worryingly unlike the superstar singer, the model is being billed as a special attraction and will be on display until September.

Check it out in full and let us know if you see any “resemblance”…


Altogether now…

Your thoughts?

Rita Ora rocked the top 10 of the UK charts with new single ‘Your Song’ and now has her sights set on US success.

To assist her charge, the 26-year-old stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform the Ed Sheeran penned track.

Watch Rita and her band blaze it up below…

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Madea is back this Fall!

Tyler Perry‘s much-loved matriarch returns for ‘Boo 2! A Madea Halloween’ – due in theaters October 20th.

The flick arrives almost a year to the day of the original, which proved all sorts of profitable – generating $75 million at the box office on a $20 million budget.

So what’s the tea this time around?

Madea, Bam and Hattie venture to a haunted campground and the group must literally run for their lives when monsters, goblins and the bogeyman are unleashed.

Check out the hilarious trailer below…

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‘Insecure’ is about to have everyone talking.

Oprah has another big show on her hands.

And John Boyega is rustling feathers with what some are calling the uncomfortable truth.

Pick up a fresh bottle of Screen Juice below…

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With Kelly Rowland‘s stint on The Voice Australia wrapped, the R&B belle is back to work on her long-awaited fifth album.

It’s been four years since the star hatched her last LP ‘Talk A Good Game’ and fans have been growing impatient.

However, producers Da Internz have thrown out a bone of excitement after sharing this shot of themselves in the studio with Ms. Kelly.

The caption attached read:

Been in a real zone in the studio lately. It’s all about deep conversation and making all the music from scratch aka Johnny onda spot. Peace to the Queen of the chocolates for an unforgettable session @kellyrowland.


Da Internz boast an impressive resumé, which includes smashes such as Nicki Minaj’s ‘Anaconda’ and Rihanna’s ‘Birthday Cake.’

Here’s hoping they’ve baked something blazing for Kelly!

Your thoughts?

Major Lazer hitmaker Diplo majorly pissed off some of his fans after he took to Twitter to joke about recently unveiled accusations against R.Kelly for allegedly holding girls captive in a “sex cult.”

As the Kelly story, which the singer vehemently denies is true (we reported yesterday), made its round across the net, Diplo thought it a good time to proclaim:

 

Well, needless to say the joke wasn’t taken particularly well.  Lighting a firestorm of angry tweets, the backlash was so quick Dip deleted the tweet.

Apparently, it was too late:

 

Your thoughts?

Word on the curb was that Kim Zolciak‘s return to ‘The Real Housewives Of Atlanta’ was a done deal. But apparently said reports were premature. Because the reality star has revealed that she has just inked her contract for season 10 of the hit Bravo show.

Taking to Instagram, the outspoken mother of five confirmed speculation that she will be appearing but in a limited role.

Never short of catchphrases, Zolciak said she wouldn’t be carrying a peach because she’ll be continuing to carry her own spin-off show (‘Don’t Be Tardy’). As for how much folk can expect to see her on ‘Housewives’ (which is already taping) she wrote “#SeeUAtLeastHalfTheSeason.”

Peep her full message below…

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Janet Jackson has already had an action-packed year, having become a mother at 50 and divorcing her husband shortly after.

And there’s more activity taking place as we type.

Sources close to the singer have revealed that she’s been spotted in LA this week because she has officially moved back there.

Jackson, now 51, had been diving her time between London and Qatar when married. However, she is said to want to be closer to her own family on a full-time basis. The source said:

“Los Angeles has always been home for Janet and she is enjoying having her family so close. It’s especially important to her because she wants her son to have a close relationship with her mother and family. Everyone is so happy to have her back home [in L.A.]”

In other Ms. Jackson news, it’s been touted that she has already lost 65 pounds post-pregnancy and is eating clean and exercising rigorously ahead of her ‘State Of The World Tour’ – which launches on September 7th.

Additionally, firm word is that the Pop queen is – as we reported in May – negotiating a documentary deal that would focus on tour life and motherhood. Initial reports touted Netflix as her broadcast partner; the latest update doesn’t reveal who she’s talking to but excitingly confirm that there are active talks taking place.

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: Getty]

Welcome to another edition of Meet the Makers, the TGJ original feature which pulls you behind Pop’s velvet rope and introduces you to the brains behind the scene’s operation.

Today, as his work with Beyonce makes him one of the most sought-after visionaries, we catch up with Chris Grant to find out how and why he became the star’s go-to guy.

 TGJ: What were your creative influences growing up?
There are so many. I’d say the main ones were Michael, JanetPRINCE, ‘Nsync and B2K. At the time I wanted to be an entertainer so those acts inspired me musically and visually.

I was born in the Bronx,  New York. Once my family and I moved to West Palm Beach Florida I did every talent show and performed at every South Florida fair. It wasn’t long before people asked me if I taught at any dance studios or did private teaching and that’s how I got into it. Sean Green from Sean’s Dance Factory actually gave me my first opportunity and I was also in a dance group called Full Out and taught at a another dance studio called XCL owned by a beautiful lady named Miss Fisher.

TGJ: Fascinating! This led to creative directing?
Chris: Yeah it did. My grandmother spoiled me (laughs) she got me the computer I wanted which came with music and editing software, so I got into mixing music and adding live effects to my performances. People would go crazy over my mixes, choreography and show concepts and that’s when I became aware that creative directing became something I could possibly thrive in. As all of this was happening I auditioned and was selected to be on Diddy’s ‘Makin’ Da Band’ and made it to the Top 16 with the help of LaurieAnn Gibson.
TGJ: How did your meet Beyonce?
Chris: Frank Gatson spotted me on ‘Making da Band’ and we ran into each other shortly after IN New York. I’d admired his work for years without knowing it. I was extremely excited when he invited me to Miami and asked to see my work. So, I took two of my closest friends Mikey and Roben and showed him my version of ‘Single Ladies’. The official version was out at this point. I was flown to LA days later and asked to teach at Beyonce’s ‘I AM Tour’ auditions. She walks in and Frank asked me to perform my version of the song. When I was done she told me I was “unreal” and the rest is history.

How he’s helped to reshape her performance style in recent years?
There’s no pressure to, but there is definitely an effort to cover all bases and make sure we’re moving forward and not backwards. We recently revamped a lot of the older choreography and added dance breaks to make it more fun and up to date. It’s exciting because there’s a lot of ground to cover and it keeps things fresh. To be honest, we really create moves off of vibes which makes working with B as fun as it is. No egos, no over-thinking, just fun, artistry and creativity as a team.

As for talk that the industry’s standard for acts hoping to follow in Bey’s footsteps have been lowered in recent years?
We’re in a different time and that’s alright. The only way to be the best is to study the greats, rehearse and perfect your craft. Beyonce’ does that and understands it all. The secret to Bey’s success is the balance she has between having fun and turning up while committing to a message she’s passionate about and wants to convey.
So, what’s next for the gifted 20-something?
I’ve been listening to a lot of new artists I’m excited about, Victoria Monet is one of them. She’s really talented so I’d like to work with her. Professionally, I’d love to pursue acting, directing and exploring more of myself within entertainment. Personally, (laughs), I’m trying to buy a house man. I just want to be happy…more than anything.

Interview by David Asante.
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