Usher broke down in tears in court over insinuations he prefers to go out partying instead of looking after his children.

The "Yeah!" hitmaker took to the stand in his bitter custody battle with Tameka Foster in his native Atlanta, Georgia on Monday, and he wiped his eyes with a tissue after his ex-wife's attorney presented photos of the singer partying in Europe in February.

Usher tried to explain the pictures, but was told by the judge to let his lawyers do the talking for him.

The singer was also subjected to several questions over his alleged drug use, admitting he has smoked cannabis in the past, but when he was asked if he ever took ecstasy, Usher's lawyer objected.

The music superstar also insisted he has never used drugs in front of his children.

Earlier in his testimony, Usher accused Foster of throwing food at him and spitting on his girlfriend in a jealous rage.

He told the court, "She wanted to fight... (She said), 'I'm gonna kick your a**. B**ch get out of the car. How dare you bring this woman into my subdivision in my house?"

"She continued to spit. At this point she pulled the (car) door open, tried to swing at her (girlfriend)."

Foster is battling for full custody of their two sons, while Usher wants increased visitation rights. The former couple wed in 2007 and separated two years later.