In the News
( 3 stories between 1st August 2008 and 26th March 2010 )Akon In Trouble Again
Mar, 26 2010
Akon has been refused a visa to perform in Sri Lanka after observant Buddhists started violent protests in the commercial capital Colombo. The Sri Lankans were unhappy about a music video starring Akon -- David Guetta's "Sexy Chicks" -- which depicts a raunchy pool party occurring under a Buddha statue's watchful eye.
It's difficult to see the statue in the video, which was shot at a mansion in Ibiza, but it does fleetingly appear in the background several times. The protesters threw rocks and smashed cars, and invaded the Maharaja television network's headquarters, injuring four people. Akon's visa application was subsequently rejected because of "controversial video images, offensive song lyrics and strong protests coming from various cultural, religious groups and organizations in the country."
"[I] never set out to offend or desecrate anyone's religion," Akon said, claiming that he did not even know the statue was there. "[I] am a spiritual man, so I can understand why they are offended. But violence is never the answer and I am disheartened to hear about what happened in Sri Lanka."
Akon
Dec, 19 2008
Akon has pleaded guilty to harassment after he was prosecuted for throwing a 15 year-old fan off stage at a concert last June. It's a wise decision by the rapper, who couldn't have argued for his innocence considering the incident was filmed by several fans with camera phones, who then uploaded the videos to YouTube. It's now been watched over a million times, so he would have had a tough time arguing that one. The boy was lifted on-stage after being identified by a security guard as having thrown an object at Akon; who then threw the boy into the crowd, injuring a teenage girl. That momentary lapse of reason cost the star $250 and 65 hours of his life, which he must spend doing community service. Akon's latest album, Freedom, was released earlier this month. It was originally set to be titled Acquitted; before, it seems, someone remembered the impending court date and the overwhelming evidence against him.
Akon
Aug, 1 2008
It’s not so unusual to have a list of things to do before you hit the ‘big-O’ birthdays, or before you retire. Akon decided that he’d give up the day job and become a has-been on a pension after he’d worked with Michael Jackson, but it seems it all came too soon. At only 26 years young, the rap star has achieved his goal, and the resultant track "Hold My Hand" is ready to be added to his next studio album Acquitted, due for release in October. The track is planned as the first single and marks Jacko’s first musical appearance in over two years. Other collaborations to look forward to include tracks with Nelly, Ashanti and Whitney Houston. Needless to say, Akon has had to revise his plans and is keen to point out that it’s unlikely that he will be retiring any time soon.
