Tameka Foster isn't holding a grudge against ex-husband Usher for their son's near drowning accident, but she is hoping for a change in their custody agreement. The 42-year-old stylist spoke out regarding the scary incident to Good Morning America on Wednesday, Aug. 14.
"I was mad because I was like, 'How did this happen? Who was watching him? Why was my son under water for nearly 3 minutes?'" Foster explained to GMA's Dan Abrams.
On Aug. 5, her 5-year-old son, Usher V, got his arm caught in the drain of a swimming pool while staying at his dad's Atlanta home. After being rescued by two male contractors working at the home, he was rushed to a hospital. At the time of the accident, the little boy was being cared for by an aunt, while Usher was away.
Foster says she was alerted to the accident by a phone call from Usher, who has primary care of their sons Usher V and Naviyd, 4. "I was at a dental appointment and he doesn't call me regularly, so when I saw his number come up I immediately jumped up," she recalled to GMA. "I figured he had the boys . . I need to get this."
In June 2012, Kile Glover, Foster's 11-year-old son from a previous relationship, died tragically when he was struck in the head by a jet ski. Receiving the call from Usher about the pool accident reminded her of her loss. "It was like I relived it," she said. "My brain went into all those modes. I even said on the phone, 'I've had this call before.'"
Usher V was released from the hospital on Aug. 13. That same day, Usher tweeted a photo of his son playing board games with a cast on his arm and a smile on his face.
"I didn't blame him for it, I just was angry that it happened on his watch," Foster told GMA about Usher. "Because, while accidents happen, never have my children been injured on my watch."
Following the incident, Foster requested an emergency hearing to try and fight for temporary custody her boys. On Aug. 9, however, a judge ruled that Usher would retain primary custody for the time being.
"I'd like to have my first right of refusal, which means when he is not present, the kids come home to their mom," Foster told GMA of what she hopes to accomplish in their ongoing custody battle. "They don't stay home with the nanny and watch whatever show he's on. They come home to their mother."
That being said, Foster doesn't wish any ill-will toward her ex. When asked if she hates him Foster said, "Absolutely not, no. He is the father of my children, and I love my kids more than life itself."
