Singer Lionel Richie slams Chris Brown and Usher’s tour

Lionel Richie has taken a swipe at Chris Brown and Usher over their ongoing “The R&B Tour,” joking that the pair are not doing anything particularly groundbreaking and referencing Brown’s history of legal troubles.

Richie, who is currently touring with Earth, Wind & Fire, made the comments during a performance while discussing Brown and Usher’s tour.

The veteran singer pointed out that The Commodores and Earth, Wind & Fire had also mounted a major tour decades ago before adding a pointed remark about the difference between then and now. “Only difference is, between then and now, we didn’t go to jail!” Richie told the audience. He appeared to soften the remark with a smile before continuing with his performance.

While Usher has largely avoided major legal controversies, Brown has faced several legal issues throughout his career. Brown recently pleaded guilty to assaulting a music producer at a nightclub in London. Brown is also widely known for his 2009 assault of Rihanna, to which he pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to five years’ probation and community service.

Meanwhile, Brown and Usher’s tour has attracted significant attention online, particularly over provocative dance performances involving fans.

Despite Richie’s criticism, the tour has been viewed by many as a major R&B event, bringing together two of the genre’s biggest contemporary stars. Given Brown’s history of responding strongly to criticism, Richie’s remarks could potentially spark a response from the singer.