Usher Breaks Silence on Son Pool Accident, Ex-Wife Seeks Custody (Photo)

By Jane White

Usher with his two sons. (Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins via Newscom)

Usher’s 5-year-old son is doing well and recovering after his near-drowning incident on August 5.

The R&B singer has released an official statement to thank well-wishers and the team of people who worked to save his son’s life, breaking his silence on the situation.

"I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers, love and support for my family’s well-being. I would like to thank my Aunt Rena as well as the doctors and nurses who are working with us around the clock,” Usher said in a statement. "I would especially like to thank the two men who saved my son’s life, Eugene Stachurski and Ben Crews. They are true heroes and I am deeply grateful to them."

Tameka Foster, 42, ex-wife of Usher Raymond, filed for an emergency custody request on Tuesday, which is being processed now. Emergency custody orders are used when it appears to the court that removal of the child is in his or her best interest.

According to Foster's filing, Usher has neglected his parental duties, relying on "third-party caregivers" to look after their kids during his lengthy absences. She claims he is away "in excess of 85% of each month" and "would rather the nanny" care for them than their own mother.

Usher Raymond, 34, was not present at the time of the accident, and Foster asked that the hearing be set for Friday.

The incident happened two days ago when the young boy's arm got stuck in a pool drain while he was underwater trying to retrieve a toy. His aunt and a housekeeper unsuccessfully tried to free him before contractors working in the house got him out of the pool and performed CPR on him.

Usher and Foster had two children during their time together: Cinco, whose birth name is Usher Raymond V, and Naviyd Ely, who is now four.

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