The Grammy-winning R&B singer Usher is beloved in Michigan and across the nation for his entertaining blend of song and dance. He released his seventh album in 2012 and is currently serving as a vocal coach and judge on the popular reality singing competition The Voice. However, Usher has officially lost the admiration of one fan: the nanny he hired to help him care for his two young children in 2010.
According to the lawsuit filed by the former nanny, she was originally hired to work part-time, but was routinely asked to work not only full-time hours, but often even more than 40 hours per week. The ex-nanny further claims that when she brought her concerns to the attention of the R&B superstar, he failed to address her concerns for over a year. The lawsuit also accuses Usher of wrongful termination because the plaintiff claims that she was fired without cause in late 2011 without being paid the overtime wages she claims she is owed.
According to unnamed sources, the former nanny is seeking damages in the six figure range. Sources with ties to Usher have claimed that the allegations are false, and have also used the word “frivolous” to describe the pending lawsuit.
Everyday, many people are faced with violations of their rights as employees. Unsafe working conditions, unpaid hours and unfair termination are common problems that can have long lasting negative impacts on upward mobility and career longevity. Attorneys working in the area of employment law assist clients seeking to learn more about their rights under the law and legal ways to address their employment grievances.
Source: Christian Post, “Ex-Nanny Sues Usher for 6 Figures for Wrongful Termination, Unpaid Wages”, Brittney R. Villalva, May 15, 2013