Fans of Senegalese-American rapper, Akon will no longer enjoy seeing his image in Verizon's recent popular television advertisements. As a result of some highly questionable stage antics on behalf of the rapper, the massive communications company has decided to sever their partnership
with the star.
DIRTY DANCING...
On April 12th 2007, at a concert in Trinidad, Akon announced a dance contest which would take place during the evening. Supposedly, the winner of the contest would win a free trip to Africa. Unfortunately for Akon, the winner of round one in the competition turned out to be Danah Alleyne, the 14 year-old daughter of a Trinidadian minister. Subsequently the prize "trip to Africa" was actually Akon himself.
The lewd display was caught on camera for the world to see. Spectators got an eye-full of rapper Akon simulating sex acts while a soca version of his song "Don't Matter" was playing. Per the YouTube video, the teen is shown being tossed around vigorously, while the rap star danced lewdly with her.
Danah Alleyne admits that she danced willingly with the rapper. But after a short time, things got out of hand. She states:
"I got carried away. I started to dance as well, but I never thought it was going to be like that. My head was hitting the floor."
BIG REPERCUSSIONS...
The twenty-five year old rapper was scheduled to appear on tour, opening up for mega pop star Gwen Stefani. However, as a result of what observers are calling a "simulated rape," Verizon has decided to no longer sponsor the tour, and submitted this statement to FOX News:
"This week the partnership ended. We have music services on our cell phone service and we were promoting him as one of the artists. The other part of the sponsorship was the tour...We are no longer sponsoring the tour."
The teenage girl at the center of the scandal has apologized for her behavior, and has stated that she regrets attending the concert at all---a point which has raised further concerns. Some are wondering how she was able to attend despite being underaged, as the concert hall required attendees to be at least 18 years of age.
Verizon Cuts Off Rapper's Sponsorship After "Simulated Rape"
DIRTY DANCING...
On April 12th 2007, at a concert in Trinidad, Akon announced a dance contest which would take place during the evening. Supposedly, the winner of the contest would win a free trip to Africa. Unfortunately for Akon, the winner of round one in the competition turned out to be Danah Alleyne, the 14 year-old daughter of a Trinidadian minister. Subsequently the prize "trip to Africa" was actually Akon himself.
The lewd display was caught on camera for the world to see. Spectators got an eye-full of rapper Akon simulating sex acts while a soca version of his song "Don't Matter" was playing. Per the YouTube video, the teen is shown being tossed around vigorously, while the rap star danced lewdly with her.
Danah Alleyne admits that she danced willingly with the rapper. But after a short time, things got out of hand. She states:
"I got carried away. I started to dance as well, but I never thought it was going to be like that. My head was hitting the floor."
BIG REPERCUSSIONS...
The twenty-five year old rapper was scheduled to appear on tour, opening up for mega pop star Gwen Stefani. However, as a result of what observers are calling a "simulated rape," Verizon has decided to no longer sponsor the tour, and submitted this statement to FOX News:
"This week the partnership ended. We have music services on our cell phone service and we were promoting him as one of the artists. The other part of the sponsorship was the tour...We are no longer sponsoring the tour."
The teenage girl at the center of the scandal has apologized for her behavior, and has stated that she regrets attending the concert at all---a point which has raised further concerns. Some are wondering how she was able to attend despite being underaged, as the concert hall required attendees to be at least 18 years of age.
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