Usher Takes Fresh Swipe at Female Fan Who Snubbed Him During Sensuous Onstage Performance, Says ‘Don’t Bring Your A** up Here’ (Watch Video)

R&B icon Usher is once again making headlines, not just for his electrifying performances, but for a new, clear message directed at fans who might find themselves invited to share the stage. The 45-year-old artist delivered a pointed warning at his Las Vegas residency show in late November 2023, just days after a viral moment saw him pause an intimate performance due to a fan's apparent discomfort. Usher Halts Steamy Performance, Kicks Fan off Stage After Awkward Interaction at Nashville ‘R&B’ Concert; Internet Reacts (Watch Video).

Usher Lays Out Rules to Fans Before Joining Him On Stage

"Before we get started, don't bring your ass up here if you don't wanna be here," Usher candidly told the crowd, a statement that has quickly spread across social media. He continued, adding a wry observation: "God don't like ugly. But most certainly doesn't feel too good about pretty privilege either!"

Did Usher Take a Dig at Fan Who Rejected Him?

This remark is widely seen as a direct jab at Gabrielle Cheyenne, the fan involved in the Las Vegas incident, who had referenced "pretty privilege" in her own social media responses.

The viral video from the Las Vegas show captures Usher's explicit instructions before he selected another fan for his renowned "Can U Handle It?" routine. "I'm just looking for one sexy lady tonight that want to share the stage with me," he stated, ensuring that any future participant would be a willing and enthusiastic one. The crowd reportedly cheered in agreement, signaling support for the singer's proactive approach to audience interaction.

What Happened Days Back With Gabrielle Cheyenne

The new directive comes in the wake of an awkward, yet much-discussed, encounter at Usher's Las Vegas 'My Way' residency. In late November 2023 (around November 24), during his performance of the 2004 hit "Can U Handle It?", Usher invited 24-year-old nurse Gabrielle Cheyenne onto the stage. The segment, typically a highlight featuring Usher's sensual lap dance, took an unexpected turn as Cheyenne appeared stiff, visibly uncomfortable, and unresponsive to the artist's advances.

Recognising her unease, Usher paused the performance, remarking to the audience, "I don't think she wanna be on the stage, y'all," before gesturing for her to be escorted off. The moment quickly went viral, igniting a flurry of online debate and criticism directed at Cheyenne.

Gabrielle Cheyenne's Account of the Las Vegas Incident

VIP Upgrade: Cheyenne and her mother were upgraded from floor seats to VIP, but no prior explanation was given about the specific nature of the on-stage interaction or which artist she would be paired with.

She openly admitted to attending the concert primarily for co-headliner Chris Brown and stated her reaction would have been entirely different had Brown invited her on stage instead. She even claimed she would have declined the VIP upgrade if she knew it was for Usher.

Cheyenne pushed back against online trolls, asserting that she never refused to go on stage and had no issue being seen by thousands, stating, "I looked good asf, you think I wasn't going to let THOUSANDS of people see me?" Her mother later shared a backstage photo of Gabrielle smiling with Usher's wife, Jennifer Goicoechea, to quell rumors of lingering bad feelings. Man Divorces Wife for Mistakenly Kissing Usher at His London Show? Viral Video Shows Woman and American Singer Share 'Intimate Moment' on Stage!.

Usher, whose full name is Usher Raymond IV, is currently performing his 'My Way' Las Vegas residency, showcasing his extensive catalogue of hits including "Confessions" and "My Boo." The residency continues to draw massive crowds, with fans now perhaps a little more prepared for the unwritten rules of an Usher stage invitation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2026 12:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).