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.
Verizon spokesperson Jim Gerace has claimed that the company made a huge err in judgment by establishing a partnership with Akon. Furthermore, Gerace has asserted that all materials promoting sponsorship of the Gwen Stefani/ Akon tour will soon be destroyed. Akon ring tones have also been removed from the company's website.
Published by Ayanna Guyhto - Featured Contributor in Arts & Entertainment
Transplanted New Yawwwker (Bronx, NY), now living in fabulous Atlanta - plunged into the music industry several years ago; Indie Flick Junkie, lover of all things paranormal--who has a penchant for mindless... View profile
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4 Comments
Post a Comment"Simulated Rape"? I'm assuming this characterization is due to her age, right? I saw the video and she was definitely a willing participant who looked and acted no part of 14 years old.
I wonder what the girl's parents have to say about this. I always enjoy your articles, Ayanna.
Akon is a-con.
L.
Gwen who?? Ohh wasnt she that pretty little ska-rock chick who always had on those really cool outfits and headed up the former outrageously-talented band known as No-Doubt?
Wow... I guess sharing 'mega-pop' stardom with some talentless school-girl molesting moronic rappers & millions of their idiot fans is a much more creatively fufilling venture than performing to a few measely legions of loyal adoring fans.
What a shame.. its just her & her weird asian slave girls now... nice career move Gwen!