Lionel Richie takes dig at Chris Brown during concert

Lionel Richie made a pointed comment about Chris Brown and Usher's ongoing tour during a recent performance.

The 77-year-old singer, currently touring with Earth, Wind & Fire, spoke to the crowd during a show in Phoenix on Tuesday, comparing the current tour to what his own group did decades earlier. 

“Usher and Chris Brown, see they trying to do something new,” said Richie. “The Commodores with Earth, Wind & Fire, we were doing that back 40 years ago."

He then joked that the "only difference between then and now" was that his group "didn't go to jail," seemingly referencing Brown's past legal issues and jail time in 2014.

However, Usher has not had similar legal issues.

Richie quickly followed up his comment by clarifying that he meant no real harm, calling both artists respectful individuals. 

“They’re fine Christian men,” he further remarked.

Brown responded to Richie's comment lightheartedly on social media, laughing it off with emojis and a playful message showing no hard feelings.

Brown and Usher's tour began in June and will continue through stadium shows into December. Meanwhile, Richie's tour with Earth, Wind & Fire runs through October, followed by a residency in Las Vegas through November.