This installment of our You Be the Judge series takes a turn to the world of music.
Usher’s concerts are renowned for a distinctive and sensual segment where he feeds cherries to female audience members, a move that often goes viral despite his bodyguard’s apparent disapproval. This signature stunt sees women “devour them as lustfully as possible,” creating memorable moments that fans adore and eagerly share online. The widespread popularity of these interactions ensures that Usher continues to incorporate the cherry-feeding into his performances whenever the opportunity arises, much to the delight of his dedicated fanbase.
A recent concert in London saw a near-tragedy during this popular cherry-feeding ritual. Footage captured Usher engaging with a fan bearing an “Usher” tattoo, exchanging pleasantries, and then attempting to feed her a cherry. Despite multiple attempts to bring the fruit closer, the woman struggled to communicate an important message.
The situation escalated as the woman had to lean in even closer to convey her crucial message: she was allergic to cherries. Upon realizing the potential danger, Usher quickly diffused the tension with attempted humor saying to the audience, “Anybody got an EpiPen in this bitch?”
Here is video of the incident posted by X user @ArtOfDialogue_:
Usher came close to feeding a fan cherries during his concert in London, until she stopped him and revealed she was allergic. pic.twitter.com/OGq7Ml2v0q
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) May 10, 2025
Usher has had to adapt his cherry-feeding stunt in the past. In April, he announced that he “wouldn’t be feeding any fans cherries” at a show in the United Arab Emirates, a decision likely influenced by the country’s strict laws regarding public decency that required a change in his usual performance style to comply with local regulations.
While performing at Club Social in Abu Dhabi, Usher directly addressed the thousands of fans, apologizing for omitting the popular stunt. He acknowledged the audience’s “collective groan” upon his announcement, stating, “I’m sorry, ladies and gentlemen. No, I will not be giving any cherries out tonight.” However, he reassured them that he would compensate for the absence of cherries, promising, “But I have nothing but love for you. I give you my heart in exchange for the cherries. I give you my love in exchange for the cherries tonight.”
So, now we turn to you, our readers, many of whom must practice strict avoidance to prevent a reaction. Is it time for Usher to retire the cherry practice — much to the dismay of his fans — or should this woman — the superfan with the Usher tattoo — have known better?
Let us know in the comments section below.
I understand what this lady has gone through. Nickelback was throwing beer off stage and I wasn’t far back. I wasn’t aware that this group even did this at their concerts. He threw a red Dixie cup full of beer right in my face. I’m allergic to beer the wheat and barley. It was so packed in there up front I couldn’t even turn around to try to get away from it. Had allergic reaction and was taken to the first aid station at the coliseum. My clothes was soaked and beer. So they strip me down naked and washed me off. From there they called an ambulance and took me to the hospital. I did not have anaphylaxis but I was breaking out in major hives, severe itching, headache, nausea and fatigue. The hospital treated me and gave me medication. Gave me a pair of their disposable medical uniform to send me home in. After that I never stood up by the stage again. I started staying in the back where law enforcement usually stood, never had no problems after that.