NEWSLionel Richie Takes Bold Dig at Usher and Chris Brown While Discussing Their R&B Tour: 'We Didn't Go to Jail'
Lionel Richie divided fans by making a seemingly shady comment directed at Usher and Chris Brown.
Aug. 13 2026, Published 4:07 p.m. ET
Lionel Richie didn't hold back when weighing in on Chris Brown and Usher's joint nationwide R&B tour.
The "Stuck on You" artist, 77, took a moment during a recent show to reflect on his career with The Commodores while throwing shade at the R&B artists.
Lionel Richie called out Chris Brown and Usher in new concert footage.
Lionel Richie Threw Shade at Chris Brown and Usher
Lionel Richie left The Commodores in 1982 to pursue a solo career.
"Usher and Chris Brown, they're trying to do something new. [The] Commodores, Earth, Wind & Fire - we’ve been doing that for 40 years. [The] only difference between then and now, we didn’t go to jail," he told the audience, according to concert footage shared on X.
Richie was a founding member of The Commodores, though he left in 1982 to start his solo career. His harsh comment drew a mixed reaction, with many sharing their opinions on social media.
Social Media Reacted to Lionel Richie
Fans were divided on whether Lionel Richie was being shady toward Chris Brown and Usher.
"He said nothing wrong. Respect a legend like Lionel Richie because like who raised yall fr," one critic said, while a second pointed out, "He sounds like every OG in any family just having a little fun. It didn’t sound malicious at all."
Others defended the musicians and felt the shady remark wasn't "necessary," writing, "Seriously, he’s too old and famous to be hating on younger men like that! Be an elder and not a hater!!"
Another person agreed, adding, "This was unwarranted. Now why did this he feel threatened? Neither Usher nor Chris has uttered a word about Lionel. Like mf, keep your set cute and go to bed."
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Have Usher or Chris Brown Been to Jail?
Usher has never been arrested.
Usher, 47, has faced civil lawsuits in the past but has been incarcerated, while the "Privacy" artist, 37, has had his run-ins with the law.
Brown's last arrest dates back to May 2025 in connection with an alleged 2023 fight at a London nightclub, where he was accused of hitting a music producer with a bottle.
The "Say Goodbye" singer pleaded guilty to a charge of affray last month in exchange for prosecutors dropping more serious charges, including assault, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and having an offensive weapon.
Inside Chris Brown's Most-Famous Arrest
Chris Brown and Rihanna dated from 2007 to February 2009 and briefly reconciled in late 2012.
Brown's most famous brush with the law was in February 2009 and involved his ex-girlfriend, Rihanna.
The "No Guidance" artist turned himself in and was booked by police after getting into a physical altercation with the Fenty founder, 38, in a car.
He later pleaded guilty to felony assault in June 2009 and accepted a plea deal, which included community labor, five years' probation and domestic violence counseling.
