R&B star Akon has apologised for dancing in a sexually suggestive way with a fourteen year old girl during a concert in Trinidad. The singer has spoken about the routine after that previously reported announcement by US phone firm Verizon that it was pulling its sponsorship of the upcoming Gwen Stefani tour because Akon was the support act, and the tel co was concerned about being associated with him in light of the routine at the Trinidad concert, a recording of which has surfaced on the internet.
In a statement issued to the Associated Press, Akon yesterday apologised for the routine, stressing he did not know the age of the girl before dancing with her. He told AP: "I want to sincerely apologise for the embarrassment and any pain I've caused to the young woman who joined me onstage, her family and the Trinidad community for the events at my concert. It was never my intention to embarrass or take advantage of my fans in any way, especially those under the age of 18. That is why we tried to make sure that the club did not admit anyone under 18 in the audience. Somehow, that standard was not met".
Promoters of the Stefani tour are reportedly still reviewing the implications of losing the Verizon support, which could have been worth anything up to $3 million. But reports suggest that removing Akon as support in a bid to win back the sponsorship is not an option currently being considered.