USHER - USHER CAUGHT UP IN BISEXUAL PRANK

USHER became the victim of a nasty prank on 1 April (05), when a US radio presenter falsely declared the R+B hunk was bisexual.

As an April Fool's Day joke the nationally syndicated RUSS PARR MORNING SHOW tricked its listeners by announcing the chart-topping singer had "come out" and announced he was bisexual during their broadcast.

During the show, Parr read a statement that he claimed Usher had posted on his website, according to news website EURWEB.

The false statement said, "I feel its time for me to keep it real with my fans. I'm under close scrutiny; people are examining my life, and it's tough for me. It is tough living in this fishbowl. I am a universal superstar and I know they will accept me for who I am and what I am. My sexuality is not of importance.

"Yes, I have been with both genders. But it doesn't take away from my massive fan base and the talent that they have supported me for over the years."

Parr has since released a statement hoping to calm the chaos, explaining, "The statements made about Usher on Friday April 1st 2005 were merely part of an April Fool's joke. The statement was a part of the joke and was not intended to be taken seriously, nor was it intended to defame Usher or his image."

Usher's representative SIMONE SMALLS says, "The station's prank was clearly irresponsible and done in poor taste. Anyone who knows Usher knows that he is not bisexual or gay."