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Usher has spent years gathering good will, which only grew exponentially thanks to his Las Vegas residency and rocking the Super Bowl halftime show. However, Ursher has massively played himself after he was spotted kicking it with Russell Simmons in Bali.

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In case you’re unaware, Simmons essentially ran off to Bali after he was accused by multiple women of 𝓈ℯ𝓍ual assault. Although Simmons has denied the claims (and former Def Jam exec Drew Dixon produced a whole documentary detailing her allegations), the theory is he skipped town to avoid prosecution. Thus, the Hip-Hop pioneer has been persona non-grata for many.

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Nevertheless, there goes Usher seen kicking it with various people including Simmons during a trip to Bali. It’s worth noting that Usher, perhaps knowing better, didn’t share the pics (and video, too) himself. However, Russell gladly took to Instagram to share the good times he was apparently having with Usher. The R&B crooner’s trademark smile in the pics reveals he clearly wasn’t a hostage.

Considering Usher can thank Sean “Diddy” Combs, who has also been accused of 𝓈ℯ𝓍ual assault by multiple women, among the execs instrumental to his early success, being spotted having a good ol’ time with Simmons is not the best of looks. Another exec who had a hand in Usher’s rise was LA Reid, who has also been accused of 𝓈ℯ𝓍ual assault by Dixon as well.

This is not a trend Usher need be associating himself with. We’re not overreacting, you can peep the reactions below. To say that the criticism is rolling thick would be an understatement.

1. A choice was made.

Russell Simmons is a r!pist and Usher has chosen to be in his presence as a friend. So it’s fuck him too. And yes, this is a recent video! pic.twitter.com/AWg8Jxle36

— MrsBundrige (@MrsBundrige) March 4, 2024

2. Nasty work.

Usher taking pics with Russell Simmons and making them public was definitely a choice. No way he’s oblivious to those allegations and why he’s in Bal.

— nope (@PrinceHAK33M) March 4, 2024

3. Where is the lie?

You could tell he doesn’t give a shit about Usher. Knowing that his name is tied to all these horrible allegations, he posted this cause Usher is in a good place and he wants to capitalize off of that. Usher, you’re dumb. Stop attaching yourself to all these demons. https://t.co/qdQ9ZTtnYw pic.twitter.com/asqv3bicjM

— Serena (@Makeup_Serena) March 4, 2024

4.

I knew the day would come where Usher would publicly embarrass and disappoint me but right now nigga? Like you deadass 4real?? pic.twitter.com/Tt6SNXKGcB

— The Neighborhood Publicist (@nhoodpublicist) March 4, 2024

5.

Usher please don’t make me do this pic.twitter.com/CRtQNikn6v

— The Purse Dealer (@hausofsyy) March 4, 2024

6.

Despite Russell Simmons being accused of violence by 20 women, Usher is letting us know where he stands proudly pic.twitter.com/coAXxO2S0n

— Sociat USA  (@SociatUSA) March 4, 2024

7.

Usher going to Bali and hanging out with Russell Simmons is not cool https://t.co/Ibbq6br5vC pic.twitter.com/Dz0ylXWrHk

— 𝔾𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥 𝕌𝕟𝕔𝕝𝕖 𝔹𝕠𝕓 (@Greatunclebob) March 4, 2024

8.

Why did Usher think that this was a good pic to post of Russell Simmons???  pic.twitter.com/DqvNMhKlYo

— SinnamonSCouture (@SinnamonCouture) March 4, 2024

9.

Usher should not have posted that pic with Russell Simmons. Taraji P Henson did it too. You have to be aware at all times. pic.twitter.com/91aZfRj96R

— BOTUS (@BlkonBlk_Tiff) March 4, 2024

10.

Usher is constantly telling us who he is and we need to believe him.  https://t.co/anekKXpWm2

— SweetBtchesBrewFilm (@SBBFilm) March 4, 2024

11.

Black men helping Russell Simmons soft launch back into the public eye while he sits in Bali waiting for the statute of limitations to run out on his multiple rape charges and lawsuits is insane.

— Gabrielle A. Perry, MPH (@GeauxGabrielle) March 4, 2024

12.

Usher ain’t never gonna beat the allegations!He should’ve not been in Bali with Russell Simmons pic.twitter.com/ujbrMvPD5H

— Elle Murasaki (@itsellemurasaki) March 4, 2024