Usher keeps custody of son after swimming pool accident
R&B singer Usher has won a custody
challenge from his ex-wife, after his
five-year-old son nearly drowned in
his home swimming pool in Atlanta,
Georgia.
Tameka Foster Raymond, 42, filed the
request on Tuesday after Usher Raymond
V got stuck in a swimming pool drain
and had to be saved by two men.
Ms Raymond said her son "suffered a
near-death accident" while unsupervised
at Usher's house on Monday.
But the judge dismissed the request after
both parents testified.
Usher, 34, and Ms Raymond were
married in 2007, divorcing two years
later.
After a lengthy custody battle, Usher was
awarded custody of his two sons last
year.
In court documents, Ms Raymond said
her children, who are four and five years
old, would prefer to live with her rather
than "caregivers" who stay with them
while their father is travelling on tour.
She also said her ex-husband did not
consult her on issues relating to her
sons.
After his son's accident, Usher thanked
the people who had saved him and
helped him recover.
"I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of
prayers, love and support for my
family's well-being," Usher said in a
statement.
Two contractors who were installing
audio-visual equipment at the home
saved the boy's life.
"They are true heroes and I am deeply
grateful to them," he added.
Ms Raymond's 11-year-old son, Kile
Glover, died last year after he was run
over by a jet ski.
At the time, Usher appeared on Oprah
Winfrey's chat show in the US to talk
about the death of his stepson.
