The woman who went viral after a sultry on-stage moment with Usher has spoken out — and she wants to set the record straight.
Jimalita Tillman, a Chicago arts leader and retired homeschool mum, caused a stir online after being serenaded by the R&B superstar at his London O2 Arena show last Wednesday.
The clip, which shows her passionately reacting to Usher's performance of There Goes My Baby, has racked up millions of views on TikTok and sparked rumours that the steamy encounter had ended her marriage.
But Tillman has said that the internet has it all wrong.
“I am single,” she told Chicago station WGN9.
“That is completely false. I am a retired homeschool mom looking to expand the arts here and across the pond. I am single. You got a cherry, give me a jingle.”
During the performance, Usher handed out cherries to female fans — including Tillman— while keeping intense eye contact and drawing her closer from the crowd of 20,000.
“Obviously, I had to lock in,” she said, describing the Grammy winner as “magnetic” and sharing that he “smelled like vacation.”
Despite the on-stage chemistry, she confirmed they haven’t been in contact since.
“I don’t want to make him feel uncomfortable,” she added. “I’m embracing the moment. It was beautiful.”
Tillman, who runs the Harold Washington Cultural Center and heads its award-winning theatre program, said the viral moment has been a boost for her work.
She continued: “He brought out all the Broadway magic that I had, but it was easy! And I’m really excited because now Harold Washington is getting a lot of play — and people are following what my daughter is doing.”
Commenting on again on the virality of the clip, she added: “I am embracing the moment.
@monochromeego I was second hand shy. aunty knew what she came for! #usher #usherday3
♬ original sound - 💕 JOANITA. 💕
“The moment was beautiful. But when it comes to fan fiction or whatever that story is that’s out there, I am single. I am so happy the way Chicago has been supporting me.”
Currently Usher is performing to sold-out crowds during a 10-night residency at London’s O2 Arena as part of his Past, Present and Future tour.
The tour, announced during his electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance, has been a massive success, with fans raving over his medleys of hits and impressive roller skating.
The hitmaker’s shows have attracted an array of famous faces, including Oscar winner Daniel Kaluuya, model Leomie Anderson, Love Island presenter Maya Jama, and even a surprise appearance by supermodel Naomi Campbell.
After his London residency, Usher will take the tour to Paris, Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, and Berlin, before returning to London to close the tour on May 7.
