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Shallow Nation

May 28th, 2008 at 12:54 pm

Video: Usher on MTV TRL 5-27-08

Grammy Award winning R&B singer-songwriter Usher appeared on MTV’s TLR on May 27, 2008 to premiere his new music video, “Moving Mountains” and to promote his new album, “Here I Stand.” To say the least, it was a memorable appearance.

When Usher showed up on Tuesday’s “TRL,” he wasn’t just there to promote his just-released new album, Here I Stand. He was there to actually take a stand.

During a segment of Tuesday’s show, Usher launched into an impromptu rant that found him dismissing reports that he and his wife were separating, defending his marriage from naysayers and calling gossip about his personal life “trash.” Members of the studio audience gasped and shouted their approval.

“I love my wife very, very much,” he said. “There was a little rumor earlier this week about us separating. It ain’t true. We in love. Get outta there,” he said, raising his left hand and showing off his wedding band. “Matter of fact, I’m tired of people continuing to talk so much trash about me, know what I’m saying? And my relationship.

“My wife is not 40 years old. I love her to death and I’m a black, strong man in America standing up for my people — as a man to my wife, to my son, to my family,” he continued, removing his sunglasses and talking directly into the camera. “I’m making a stand that a lot of us should make. I coulda been like any other man who has a child and live with that woman and continue to just play the game. … I’m trying to do it the right way. This is the way your supposed to do it! Pay attention, fellas.”

Usher then turned his back to the camera, while the studio audience applauded wildly. “TRL” host Damien Fahey then attempted to continue with the segment, only to be interrupted as Ush began part two of his verbal assault.

“And my wife had nothing to do with me firing my mother — nothing like that, that’s trash,” he said, referring to his mother, Jonetta Patton, ceasing to be his manager last year. “I hear y’all talking crazy out there, she’s a beautiful black woman. Stop. Stop talking. And I love her. Stop it.”

Source: Usher Defends His Marriage, Slams Rumor-Mongers On ‘TRL’

The article continues and discusses the fan reaction, suggesting many are as tired of Usher’s defense as he is of the rumors and gossip. Nonetheless, Usher makes valid points, especially in encouraging men to follow his example and assume responsibility. For those who have not seen it, the video is here. Usher begins talking about his marriage at approximately the 2:30 mark. The video is below.