Verizon Drops Sponsorship of Gwen Stefani Tour Due to Akon Controversy
The recent controversy over a performance by Akon in Trinidad seemed like it would just be a footnote to this year's tremendous commercial success for the singer. However, Verizon has announced they are withdrawing sponsorship of Gwen Stefani's current Sweet Escape concert tour which features Akon. This includes dropping Akon music, ringtones, and video content from Verizon services. A Verizon TV ad campaign featuring Akon will also be dropped.
Akon reportedly performed onstage in Trinidad recently and engaged in sexually provocative activity with an underage teenager. Footage of the incident began appearing on YouTube a short time ago. Most music industry observers believe this is when Verizon decided to pull the plug on sponsorship of shows featuring Akon. So far Akon has not responded publicly to the controversy.
Album cover © Interscope
Comments
u rock my socks i like
u rock so much that it is not even funny i luv u sooooo much!!!!!!! i luv your new song with akon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What Akon did on stage was uncalled for and verizon make a excellent choice in dropping Akon from endorsement once they found out about incident.
I agree with Verizon’s choice in dropping Akon from endorement, however, I do not agree with them dropping Gwen Stefani. I feel they should have told her to drop him from the act or they drop the both of them. Guilty by association? What is this high school? Come on.
I’m sorry that it took so long to see
But they were dead wrong, trying to put it on me
I’m sorry that it took so long to speak
But I was on tour with Gwen Stefani
I’m sorry for the hand that she was dealt
And for the embarrassment that she felt
She’s just a little young girl tryin to have fun
But daddy should of never let her out that young
I’m sorry for Club Zen getting shut down
I hope they manage better next time around
How was I to know she was underage
In a 21 and older club they say
Why doesn’t anybody want to take blame
Verizon backed out, disgracing my name
I’m just a singer trying to entertain
Because I love my fans, I’ll take that blame
Even though the blame’s on you
Even though the blame’s on you
Even though the blame’s on you
I’ll take that blame from you
And you can put that blame on me
And you can put that blame on me
you can put that blame on me
you can put that blame on me
-Akon’s response via the new single “Sorry”
Straight up bulls**t. In a club that was for 18 and older and Akon gets blamed for her embarrassment? Her and her parents should be charged. What Verizon did was wrong on all accounts. Akon is known for sexual music. (i.e., Smack That) What was expected? For him to get up there and sing Hymns? Sweet Christian music with a prayer at the end? A bible verse perhaps? Her parents were at fault. She was at fault. Akon did nothing wrong.
Nahh i dont think Akon sud be blamed for that. he was just tryin to do his thin. how was he to kno she was underage? Verizon’s Decision was Absolute Bulls**t.
akon should have not gotten in trouble for what a stupid girl did she should have known better
that was the club’s fault, that they didn’t even check tht the girl was underage!!
2nd blame is for the parents who let her go to that club being underage!
wat Akon did was also wrong, but he didn’t knew about anything of her!!
And yeah, the song “SORRY, BLAME IT ON ME” is my most favourite song!!