Source: ATLPics.net/Prince Williams

Last summer, Usher Raymond’s ex-wife Tameka suffered an awful tragedy. Her 11-year-old son Kile (from a previous relationship) was gravely injured after he was stricken by a watercraft while he was inner-tubing in a lake. When Kile was pulled out of the water, he was unresponsive. He was eventually declared braid dead. A couple of weeks following the accident, Kile was taken off of life support. Although Tameka suffered such a horrific nightmare, she decided that her little boy’s passing would not be in vain. The day of Kile’s funeral Tameka announced via her Twitter page the launching of the Kile Glover Fund, through which she hoped to promote awareness about watercraft safety, but she hasn’t stopped there.

Over the weekend, in honor of Kile’s 12th birthday, which would’ve fallen on Good Friday, Tameka celebrated the launch of the “Kile’s World” foundation at the Woodruff Arts Center, reports the YBF. Tameka expressed that the foundation would  ”offer art- based camps with multiple workshops including general instruction in the areas of acting, singing, dance, painting, illustration, music production and digital media.” She also shared that the foundation would eventually open a school that would most likely focus on music and the arts.

Joining Tameka in the celebration of her late son’s life, were her four sons, Bow Wow’s mom Teresa Caldwell, Big Rich Atlanta stars Brie Rowe and Sharlinda Parker, among others. The colorfully decorated event seemed to be reflective of Kile’s creative personality.

Tameka is undeniably strong. It hasn’t even been a full year since her son’s passing, yet she is still using her tragedy to help others. Just two months ago, she took to her Twitter page to express irony of Kile’s birthday falling on Good Friday.

In other Kile Glover news, early last month we told you that the man who was operating the watercraft that tragically ended Kile’s life, Jeffery Simon Hubbard was arrested and charged with Homicide by Vessel, Serious Injury by Vessel and Reckless Operation of a Vessel. Since his indictment Hubbard has entered not guilty pleas on all charges, reports the Huffington Post. We’ll continue to keep you posted as this story develops.

Turn the page for more photos from the Kile’s World celebration.

Instagram

Tameka Raymond, if you’ll recall, had quite a traumatic 2012.

While she lost primary custody of her two youngest sons with singer Usher, the saddest thing that could happen to a parent occurred: she had to bury her son. Kile Glover, who was only 11 years old, was killed when a man, allegedly a friend of the family, lost control of his jet ski and ran into an inner tube that Glover and another young friend were sitting on.

Well, in what some are considering shocking news, TMZ has learned that 38 year old Jeffrey Simon Hubbard has been arrested for the accident.  He was indicted on Thursday by a grand jury and is charged with Homicide by Vessel, Serious Injury by Vessel and Reckless Operation of a Vessel.

Hubbard is currently being held in a Hall County, Georgia jail without bail.  He will see a judge at some point this weekend to see if he can be released on bail.

It will be interesting to see what evidence led to this arrest seven months later because by all initial reports by the police, Hubbard was not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol at the time.  It, sadly, seemed like a tragic and unfortunate incident.

There has been no comment at this time from Tameka or her ex-husband and Kile’s father, Ryan Glover.

I have to admit, I never looked at gold digger claims from that point of view, although I think that has more to do with men boasting about tricking on women, so to speak, rather than not acknowledging any type of feelings they may have about it. Nevertheless this is one of the labels that continues to follow Tameka Raymond even after her divorce from Usher, and it’s a claim she is shutting down in her three-part interview with Entertainment Tonight.

After moving past the accusations Tameka made against Usher, particularly him being unfaithful and sleeping with her bridesmaids, the discussion turned to the accusations that have been lodged against her, like assumptions that she only got with the R&B singer for his money. She says that wasn’t the case at all.

“You know, I think this is the typical stereotype,” she told Nancy O’Dell. “If a woman who has lesser means — even if she is successful and hard-working, does her thing in her own right — marries someone, what they call ‘marrying up,’ who has more money, they’re automatically a gold digger. … The woman is always the gold digger. … It’s kind of an insult to the men because it implies they’re not loveable.”

I think most people would say the term implies men need to keep a close eye on their wallets and an even closer one on their hearts, but Tameka’s got a bit of a point there. Considering the debacle over her Sak’s Fifth account and Usher having to reinstate that credit line post-divorce, I’m not sure her answer to the question will do much to dispell the gold digger label in her case though.

Moving along to a much more important topic, Tameka also touched on the loss of her 11-year-old son Kile Glover just a few months ago. Understandably, she told Nancy:

“I think I’m still in shock. I think this will probably be the greatest pain I will ever experience, losing him. But, it gave me strength beyond measure and it made me determined to fight for my other [children].”

So far it isn’t clear whether Tameka indicated that the fight is over, or if she’s still pushing to bring her two youngest sons back home with her. As we all know, Usher was granted custody of Usher V and Nayvid last month, and Tameka’s appeal of the judge’s decision was subsequently denied so it’s anyone’s guess what her next course of action might be. Many are likely wondering why her new route appears to be speaking out to media outlets about something so private and tragic so soon, but Tameka implies she had no choice in the matter.

“You know I wouldn’t even be speaking if … you know, my ex hadn’t spoke out first,” she said. “I kind of just felt like it was time to clear a few things up. I have been very guarded and protected.”

Check out the clip of the interview below. Is Tameka making you rethink your opinion of her at all?

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Source: Gossip On This

What seemed like a never-ending custody battle between Usher and his ex-wife Tameka Raymond has finally come to a close with what is a somewhat surprising ending, in my opinion. According to TMZ, Usher has been awarded primary custody of their two sons.

It’s a shocking development — considering both sides were trying to strip each other of custody. Tameka felt the singer was an absentee father who was too absorbed in his career to be a good dad. She also accused him of using drugs in front of the kids.

Usher argued Tameka was inattentive and irresponsible.

The ruling marks the end of an emotional custody trial — involving wild accusations and name-calling … Usher even broke down at one point on the witness stand.

But today, we’re told a judge sided with the singer — awarding Usher primary custody of the ex-couple’s two sons, which means the children will be spending the majority of the time with their father.

Tameka still retains some custodial rights — but the extent to which Tameka will be able to see her kids is unclear.

Though Tameka has come to be shown as somewhat unstable throughout the custody proceedings, I can’t imagine how the mother must be feeling having just lost her son Kile and to now be losing primary custody of two other sons. Hopefully she and Usher will be able to handle this new arrangement better than they have their custody battle. As for Tameka’s reaction, she said this on Twitter less than an hour ago:

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Source: Gossiponthis.com

Usher and Tameka Raymond continue to prove the saying “Time heals all wounds” wrong as they picked up their nasty custody battle Monday right where they left off before Tameka’s son died.

Initial reports that Usher wanted to settle with Tameka after learning her son Kile Glover became brain-dead as a result of a jet-ski accident last month have proven completely false as the singer is still forging ahead with his efforts to obtain sole custody of his sons with his ex-wife. The R&B star and Tameka currently share joint custody, but Usher wants to be the primary caregiver for 4-year-old Usher Raymond V and 3-year-old Naviyd, and even shared plans to take them on his European tour with him next year. Tameka countersued for full custody as a result.

To make his case, Straight From The A says Usher expressed doubts about Tameka’s care-giving and her refusal to keep him in the loop, saying:

“It’s alarming that I never know who was actually on the trip, who was with them, who was caretaking for them.

“Was the nanny there, was it a relative or a family member or one of the other children watching the kids? Was it a cousin, or an uncle—I don’t know, I never know. I never get any information unfortunately until we’re in court.”

It’s not clear what trip he’s referring too but Tameka argued back that with Usher’s work schedule the children would no doubt be in the care of a nanny more than their father, and also suggested he is unable to keep the children safe, given the stalker that landed on his premises not long ago. Usher explained that away saying his grandmother let the woman into his home thinking it was someone he had an appointment with.

The former spouses are expeced to continue the case all week, and it appears there’s still no end in site regarding a ruling. Oy Vey!

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Source: christalrock.com

Most people weren’t aware of this news, but according to RadarOnline, Tameka Raymond had a reality show in the works before her son Kile Glover passed away. A source close to the reality project told the site:

“About a year ago Tameka was working out the details with the production company and deciding who she was going to go with. [The show] was going to focus on her life, kids, business ventures, etc. However, it is unclear now if she will be following through with the show after the death of Kile – I’m sure that’s the last thing on her mind.”

Filming hadn’t begun for the project yet so ideally it would be easy for Tameka to walk away from the planned show. I imagine she signed on for the opportunity to show people who she really is, since one of her biggest gripes has been her negative portrayal in the media, but mourning the death of her son on top of a messy custody battle with Usher may be a little to real too play out in front of cameras—even if it is supposed to be reality TV.  What do you think?

Should Tameka go through with a show or scrap it all together? Would you watch?

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Source: rhymeswithsnitch.com

After all that negative press yesterday concerning Tameka Raymond’s reaction to Usher, their custody battle, and his lack of concern for her son Kile’s death, the entertainer’s ex-wife has released a personal statement on Bossip to try to clear the air once again. This time she insists it’s “no PR, no team, just me.” Here’s her personal statement:

To begin, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the countless number of people who opened their hearts, extended their prayers, well-wishes and remained hopeful for my son Kile during the last weeks of his life. I truly believe that he has always been an Angel from birth and the World was just too small to contain a spirit so vast. I’m thankful and blessed to merely be the vessel that carried him and humbled that God gave him to us to love. I also feel humbled by everyone’s show of concern, and knowing that Kile Glover touched the lives of so many has given me strength during my worst & darkest hour … Again I THANK YOU ALL!

Sadly, I remain in the unfortunate position of having to respond to and attend court proceedings that were not initiated or begun by me. I did not file this custody case (January 2011) and was content with the ‘joint custody’ arrangement that we share. Most importantly, nor do I wish to appear in court while I am mourning the loss of my son. But I do not want to delay thus prolong these proceedings either; I’d rather continue this arduous process hoping it will help move me through this most difficult period in my life.  People seem to be privy to only my filed responses as ‘Defendant’ to the initiation of this case (Jan 4, 2011), when I have only been defending myself and protecting the best interests of my children through my counsel. I cannot control how the media reports are written/slanted/spun or even how court documents may be manipulated in their attribution of certain statements as if they are direct “quotes” from me- yet I can control what I actually say myself.

This may sound really cliché but you must NOT believe everything you read or hear and never judge… especially without solid facts and always, but always consider the source. Discernment is key. My boys are my entire world and I will fight tooth and nail to keep all of my sons together as a family, I pray for a swift, peaceful resolution so that we all can move forward.

Again, thank you for your concern, positive energy and hope for my family during this surreal time. There have been times when just the right words, at the right time, have provided me shelter through this storm and I appreciate you all. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

With Love & Light,

Tameka Foster Raymond

So, does this change your opinion of Tameka and her “bogus” allegations yesterday?

Brande Victorian is the news and operations editor for madamenoire.com. Follow her on twitter @Be_Vic.

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Source: dedetillmanblogs.wordpress.com

Before Kile Glover was declared brain dead in a jet ski accident on July 6th, Tameka and Usher were embroiled in a bitter custody battle over their two children Naviyd Ely and Usher V. After the accident, Kile was placed on life support and tensions between Usher and Tameka seemed to cool down. In fact, it seemed Usher had changed his tune and wanted to settle. Now, less than seven days after Kile was laid to rest, his mother and stepfather are at each other’s throats again with Tameka saying Usher was only feigning sympathy for Kile .

TMZ reports:

Usher didn’t care about his ex-wife’s dead son … blew off his funeral … and is only pretending to be affected by the tragedy to court sympathy from the media and his fans … this according to the singer’s ex-wife.

Tameka Raymond’s lawyer has filed new documents in the couple’s bitter child custody war … slamming Usher … who asked the court to delay the next hearing in light of the death of Tameka’s son, Kile, who was killed in a jet ski accident.

In his request, Usher claims he’s worried the hearing would cause “unnecessary stress and strain” for both himself, Tameka and their two minor children “in the immediate wake of this tragedy.”

Apparently, Usher believes that going forward with the custody hearing so soon will give Tameka an unfair advantage because the judge will likely have sympathy for her because she’s grieving her dead son.

But Tameka claims Usher is full of crap … and in docs of her own, insists U’s claims of suffering “stress and strain” are “BOGUS.”

In fact, she claims Usher didn’t care about her son at all in his final days — even though Usher regarded him as a son back when they were married.

“[Usher] visited Kile in the hospital only once” during his 15 days on life support … Tameka claims.

She also claims she had begged Usher to tweet a message about her son, “Please pray for Kile” … but he refused. Instead, Tameka claims, Usher’s next tweet was a photo of his own breakfast with the caption, “Breakfast of Champions.”

Source: Twitter.com/UsherRaymondIV

In her docs, Tameka claims Usher’s attempt to postpone the hearing is “simply a transparent sham” … and asks the judge to DENY Usher’s request and require him to appear at the next scheduled hearing, set for August 13.

She also claims resolving the custody battle is the only way for her to heal and move forward with her life.

This custody battle is a mess and therefore it’s pretty difficult to take sides. Usher certainly could have sent out a tweet for Kile, but Tameka should also understand that, tweet or no tweet, no one would have even known about Kile’s accident if not for Usher’s celebrity status. As far as the court case, Usher’s claim that Tameka will have an unfair advantage seems like a legitimate concern. She’s got to be aware of her advantage too, so maybe that’s why she wants to move forward?

When Kile passed away, many thought that sobering event would soften Usher and Tameka’s stance toward each other, but it looks like nothing will bring the peace. You would think these two weren’t happy together at one time.

What do you think? Was Usher’s only pretending to care about Kile? Should they go ahead with their custody hearing in several days?

Follow Alissa on Twitter @AlissaInPink 

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Source: thebijoustarfiles.com

This morning, Tameka Raymond and her family will lay her 11-year-old son Kile to rest in Atlanta, but his memory will not be forgotten. In one of few messages the ex-wife of usher has sent out since her son’s tragic jet ski accident, Tameka got on Twitter early this morning to thank her followers for their support during this time and to let them know that she is planning to use her son’s death for a good purpose.

I appreciate the hundreds, perhaps thousands of prayers. I’m so grateful to you guys. Kile was the most fun, creative, sweet, respectful boy,” she tweeted.

“Many have asked where to send flowers, but in Lieu of flowers. we ask that you make a contribution to the Kile Glover Fund @ Bank of America

“Our goal is increase water safety- thru implementing laws, policies & education. Kiles passing will not be in vain, we will see to this

“Sorry, I gave half info Bank of America Acct # 3340 3823 9828 OR via PayPal email TheKileGloverFund@gmail.com … I love you guys. Goodnight”

According to Mercury News, The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is still investigating the accident which left Kile brain-dead and Jeffrey Hubbard, the driver of the Jet Ski that struck him on Lake Lanier that day,  could face criminal charges. Some reports say Jeffrey lost control of the water vehicle which is what caused it to make contact with Kile and the 15-year-old girl he was riding an inner-tube with at the time. Tameka and her family will likely be seeking laws that won’t permit jet skis to be ridden in such a close vicinity to others in the water who aren’t riding. Hopefully Tameka and her family succeed in making something good come out of such a horrific situation.

Brande Victorian is the news and operations editor for madamenoire.com. Follow her on twitter @Be_Vic.

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Source: missberniej.com

Kile Glover’s condition doesn’t appear to have changed much since he was declared brain-dead roughly 10 days ago following a jet ski accident on Lake Lanier, but Tameka may not have much choice when it comes to altering his permanent state when her health insurance company intervenes, and they have already told her they will. According to TMZ:

Tameka can only keep Kyle on life-support as long as her insurance company agrees to pay … otherwise she doesn’t have the funds to cover the enormous hospital bills.
We’re told the insurance company hasn’t set a specific deadline, but they’ve made it clear … they’re only willing to shell out coverage for a couple months … tops.

At this point we’re only a week removed from the accident, but two months isn’t a long time to think about having to pull the plug on a loved one, especially your child. As any mother would, Tameka is reportedly holding on to hope and wishing for a miracle regarding her son’s recovery. Over the weekend, she sent out her first and only Twitter message since the accident, simply tweeting “Pray4Kile.”

Though Usher is said to have had a change of heart regarding his custody battle with his ex-wife, which involved increasing child support substantially, according to TMZ’s sources, the singer has not offered to pick up the tab for Kile’s medical bills and Tameka doesn’t suspect that he will. Though that is obviously a lot to ask someone, particularly someone whom you are not in good standing with, Usher certainly would have the means to do it. His hesitation may not be all financial though. A lot of people have different views on life support and when you should pull the plug and perhaps he feels if after two months Kile’s condition hasn’t changed, it’s time to let him rest eternally. Thankfully, there is still some time left before the family has to come to that sad choice, if ever.

Brande Victorian is the news and operations editor for madamenoire.com. Follow her on twitter @Be_Vic.

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