Strip Club Addresses Usher Fake Money Controversy
Singer Usher Raymond trended for more than 12 hours on all social media platforms after being accused of duping exotic dancers.
The R&B crooner was the target of ire and jokes as a story circulated that he allegedly spread fake money featuring his likeness in the club. It ignited a discussion about how celebrities treat sex workers, but now, a strip club representative is speaking out about the incident.
Usher blasted on social media over fake ‘Ush Bucks’
By now, most fans are aware that in the morning hours of April 12, an Instagram post went viral that accused Usher of making it rain with fake bills.
An exotic dancer who goes by the handle @beel0ove called him out on her Instagram Story for allegedly tipping workers with money that had his face plastered on the front.
“And the money does not have a trade in value whatsoever! Lmao don’t y’all think he should be blasted on social media for this sh*t?” she wrote with close-up shots of the money in her post. The bills came in denominations of $1, $20, and $100.
Coincidentally, the singer shared a series of photos on April 3 that featured a suitcase filled with the “play money.”
Screenshots of the dancer’s Instagram Story were shared with side-by-side photos of Usher’s loaded suitcase, and social media users ran with it. The story took on a life of its own on Twitter and Instagram, and some fans hit Usher’s account directly to comment on it.
A number of fans and those who work in the exotic dancing industry were angered after hearing about the alleged incident. They blasted Usher for being cheap and noted the industry is hard right now due to the pandemic.
But the club at the center of this is refuting the narrative floating around the internet.
Las Vegas strip club addresses Usher fake money controversy
While Usher did not respond directly to the online drama, a representative from Sapphire Las Vegas Gentleman’s Club issued statement to Rolling Stone.
Per the outlet, the club’s marketing director George M. Wilson IV denied the allegations against Usher via email. He stated Usher was a gentleman and “apparently someone in his team left some Usher dollars on the floor to promote his Vegas residency. That is where it seems the confusion came in. But real actual cash was used for tips.”
Though the singer was also described as a great guest, some fans are still divided. Some social media users believe Usher is owed an apology and others doubt the club’s story.
Usher set for a Las Vegas residency in the summer
Usher’s Vegas residency was originally announced in September 2020, and it’s set to kick off in July 2021. The Grammy Award-winning artist will be performing at The Colisseum at Caesars Palace beginning July 16 for a total of 12 performances.
Tickets went on sale in September and fans can catch the show on various dates in July, December, and January. Usher’s show is being described as an “immersive experience” featuring hits that span his 20+-year career.
