Usher Fires Back at Gossip in Open Letter  7/14/07

R&B superstar Usher has blasted reports he sacked his manager-mother because she didn't approve of his new fiancée in an open letter to a U.S. magazine.

The Yeah! singer reveals he's tired of comments made about his romance and his recent career decisions, and decided it was time to address the rumors.

In the letter to People magazine, Usher writes, "Some media and bloggers have been totally intrusive, they have misconstrued aspects of my personal life and, because of this, my 'true' fans are not sure about what is fact and what is fiction.

"There is a difference in stating an opinion versus drawing a conclusion that is incorrect."

Usher insists his fiancée - and the mother of his unborn baby - Tameka Foster had nothing to do with his decision to sack his mum Jonetta Patton and publicist, despite reports.

He explains, "I am happy, excited, completely clear and independent on my direction, feelings, decisions and I am Not Being Led."

He also uses the letter to address recent reports in New York's Daily News that he threatened a radio host during a heated on-air spat about his love life.

He adds, "I have Never threatened or harassed anyone from any media format - print, radio, television or Internet media."