Usher has come under fire for what some are calling ‘rude’ behavior after an incident involving a hotel door in Paris.
The RnB icon was staying at the luxurious Baccarat hotel in Paris during his ‘Past, Present, Future’ European tour, marking his 30-year milestone in music. He had recently concluded a 10-night residency at London’s O2 Arena, featuring surprise appearances by artists like Estelle and Craig David.
However, social media erupted over his actions at the hotel. Viral footage shows Usher leaving the $1,135-per-night hotel after dining with a female companion. He initially held the door for her to exit, but then appeared displeased when no one was present to hold it for him as he followed her out.
Following this, Usher gestured for a doorman to come over and hold the door, which he then walked through casually, stopping to sign an autograph.
This incident sparked a flurry of reactions, with many criticizing the singer’s actions. On Reddit, commenters labeled it as ‘gross behavior’ from the entertainer.
“I’m sorry, IMO this is one of those things that usually indicates someone’s true character. If he’s treating this poor employee like that in front of cameras, imagine how he behaves and treats others behind closed doors,” observed one commenter.
Another questioned, “Why would you wait for someone else to hold the door open for you when you already held it open for someone else and you have both hands free?”
Yet another added, “Celebrities can’t even open the door themselves anymore?”
Conversely, some defended Usher, suggesting that the doorman was not fulfilling his duties adequately, thus justifying the singer’s reaction.
“At the same time, the doorman has one thing to do: open and hold the door. Usher didn’t yell at him either. If I’m not doing my job properly, it’s normal for someone to point it out to me,” a supporter commented.
They continued, “[..]When you pay a certain price you expect a certain service. Those who don’t understand this have simply never set foot in a certain type of establishment.”
Another pointed out: “The doorman is getting paid to open the door for the people entering and exiting. The woman should have never had to open the door in the first place because the doorman should have been doing his job instead of talking in the background.
“Usher was probably upset that the woman opened the door and was about to have him walk out until he held the door for her. If the man was doing his job there would be no awkward moment.”