Combs' Former Staff Join Usher's R&B Tour Amid Legal Fallout

Key points

• Rolling Stone reports that at least three individuals from Sean Combs' personal staff have transitioned to work with Usher for his upcoming tour.
• The group includes Kristina Khorram, Combs' former chief of staff, a personal assistant, and a videographer who previously collaborated with Combs on a documentary.
• Khorram, who served as Combs' right hand for over a decade, was named a co-conspirator in federal sex trafficking charges but was never charged or called as a witness in the trial.
• Usher's spokesperson declined to comment, while Khorram's representative did not respond to inquiries regarding her new role.
• The tour, featuring Chris Brown, is scheduled for 56 dates and has been a topic of recent public discussion regarding Usher's performance authenticity.

Background

This development follows Combs' conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, for which he is serving a 50-month sentence. He was acquitted of more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges. In August 2026, Usher and Chris Brown launched 'The R&B Tour,' which includes a stop at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C., on October 29. Combs and Usher share a decades-long professional relationship, with Combs mentoring Usher during the early days of Bad Boy Records in the 1990s.

Why it matters

The hiring of Combs' former staff by Usher highlights the enduring professional ties within the R&B industry despite Combs' legal troubles. It also raises questions about the separation of personal and professional relationships in the music industry, particularly given Usher's public defense of Combs' contributions to Black entrepreneurship and culture.

What to watch

Usher and Chris Brown will continue 'The R&B Tour' across 56 dates, with the next major stop scheduled for October 29 in Columbia, S.C. The future of the other two former Combs staff members remains unclear, as Usher has already parted ways with the former personal assistant.