It took a month of criticism and the loss of an endorsement deal to bring it about.
But Akon has said he’s sorry for the sexually-charged dance with a 14-year-old girl during a Trinidad concert.
TheR&B singer says he wants to “sincerely apologize for the embarrassment and any pain” he caused the girl, her family and people in Trinidad.
He was videotaped simulating sex with the girl, who was invited onstage as part of his show.
In a statement released to The Associated Press, Akon said he didn’t realize the girl was underage and the club wasn’t supposed to admit anyone under 18.
Verizon says it will no longer post Akon’s music on its site to be sold as songs or ringtones and has pulled its sponsorship of a tour he’s doing with Gwen Stefani.
The two perform together on the hit “The Sweet Escape,” a single Akon also wrote.
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