Akon Uses Rhythm Method; Verizon Pulls Out
Following an incident in Trinidad last month in which rapper Akon dry-humped a 15-year-old fan onstage for nearly a minute (see the video here), Verizon Wireless has pulled its sponsorship of Gwen Stefani's upcoming Sweet Escape Tour, which featured Akon as an opening act.
While the incident took place at a show that was not part of the Stefani tour, Verizon apparently wishes to sever any and all ties with Akon - the telecommunications giant has pulled all Akon ringtones and music from its online stores, and has cancelled all advertising spots that featured the artist.
Stefani's management has expressed dismay that Verizon would pull its financial backing, valued somewhere between $1.5 and $3 million, over an event unrelated to the Sweet Escape tour. Stefani's manager Jim Guerinot also commented on the allegations against Akon, saying "Akon has been a perfect gentleman on this tour. His show has at best been a PG show. Children of all ages have been attending. We have had no complaints -- nothing but satisfied people." As of now, the rapper remains aboard for the remainder of the Sweet Escape tour.
[Verizon Pulls Out Of Stefani Tour Over Akon Flap (Billboard)]
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Love the headline!
John Zeiss
indeed.
Mike Krolak
just saw the video. what the???
Dave Park
wow. that was way more graphic than i was expecting. less so, however, than the guy who commented "thats not real,she's wearing jeans and she is laughing."
Mike Krolak
Was R.Kelly in the house??? Fucking hell, that was disgusting. Kudos on the headline, Prefix.
Andrew
ive seen worse
Adrian Covert
Playing devil's advocate... i don't think Akon thought she was 14:http://www.think2wice.org/2007/04/does-she-look-14-years-old-to-you/akon-dry-humping-14-year-old-8/
Dave Park
Regardless of her age, it still looks ridiculous and Akon is still shite. How some people get famous is incredible or just plain sad.
Andrew
What he did is not anything out of the norm for dancehall/soca culture.case in point...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfQ_n9WSWmU&NR=1
Adrian Covert
Well, Adrian, I guess I'm at odds with the dancehall/soca culture then. I find it all a little disturbing and myth perpetuating. Yeesh!
Andrew
Akon Sorry for Trinidad HumpingAfter being dropped by Verizon, Akon (Aliaune Thiam) issued a public apology for the incident at the Zen nightclub in Trinidad where he simulated sex with an underage girl:“First, and most important to me, I want to sincerely apologize for the e...
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