Fan Explains Stiff Onstage Encounter With Usher

Gabrielle Cheyenne, who attended the Nashville stop of the joint tour, became the subject of intense social media scrutiny after a video showed her leaning away as Usher performed a sensual routine during the song “Can U Handle It?” The singer eventually halted the interaction, remarking to the crowd that she did not appear to want to be on stage.

Cheyenne later stated that she had been moved to the VIP section by venue staff without being told exactly what would be expected of her. While online critics labeled her participation as disrespectful, she dismissed the backlash, noting that she had no reason to decline an invitation to be seen by thousands of people. She emphasized that her hesitation was strictly a matter of musical preference, telling TMZ that she would have been far more receptive had the performer been Chris Brown. Following the incident, Cheyenne was photographed with Usher’s wife, Jennifer Goicoechea, and her family maintained that the encounter was handled with mutual respect, despite the viral perception of an awkward snub.