Usher, wife 'living apart for nearly a year'

Usher has confirmed speculation that he has been living apart from his wife for nearly a year.

Rumours were sparked last week when the R&B singer, 30, filed for divorce from former stylist Tameka Foster after nearly two years of marriage.

According to The AP, his legal papers claim that the couple have been living separately since last July.

The petition goes on to describe their union as "irretrievably broken" and says that there "is no hope of reconciliation" between them.

Usher married Foster, 38, in August 2007. They have two children together: Raymond Usher V, 18 months, and six-month-old Naviyd Ely. Foster also has three children from a previous relationship.

Foster is reported to be contesting the divorce and has been given 30 days to respond. She previously said that she had been a "loyal wife" and a "great mum".

Usher is seeking joint custody of his children. The couple are due at Fulton County Superior Court in Georgia on July 15.