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Usher Gay Rumors: Russ Parr's April Fool's Radio Prank Outs Singer as Homosexual

© Mecca Donna

In 2005, an April Fool's Day joke regarding celebrity Usher Raymond’s sexuality got blown out of proportion.

Russ Parr, one of radio's well-known syndicated morning show personalities in the Maryland/D.C area,  stated during the show that Usher admitted to being bi-sexual on his website.

Usher's Fake Confession

On air, Parr read this statement, attributed to Usher: "I feel it's time for me to keep it real with my fans. I'm under close scrutiny...people are examining my life. It's tough for me, living in a fish bowl. I am a universal superstar and I know they will accept me for who I am and what I am. My sexuality is not of importance. Yes, I have been with both genders, but that does not take away from my massive fan base and the talent they have supported me with over the years."

Russ Parr Apologizes for the Joke

Throughout the show, Parr repeatedit was an April Fool's Day joke, but a listener posted it online without the caveat. In rebuttal, Parr issued this statement to AllHipHop.com:

"The statements made about Usher on Friday, April 1, 2005 were merely part of an April Fool's joke. The statement that you quoted was a part of the joke and was not intended to be taken seriously, nor was it intended to defame Usher or his image.

“I am a big fan of Usher and his work. In my opinion, his talent supercedes anything in his personal life including his sexuality; either way I do not believe that he is gay or bi-sexual. I stated several times on the show that day that it was all an April Fool’s joke. I have the utmost respect for Usher as an artist and as a person and would never do anything to intentionally harm him or his career."

Some Usher supporters have posted comments saying that his sexuality doesn't have anything to do with his talent. Others say that Atlanta (the city Usher represents) is known to have a rather large gay, lesbian and bi-sexual population.  Regardless, Usher’s popularity quelled the furor and his sales and stature remain intact.

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