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R'n'B singer Akon has apologised for his onstage antics in Trinidad last month, which saw the Smack That singer simulate sex with a teenage audience member.
15-year-old Danah Alleyne was pulled out of the crowd to join 25-year-old Akon onstage to partake in a "dance competition" at Zen nightclub in Port of Spain.
Alleyne later told the Trinidad Express newspaper her head was hitting the floor while Akon turned, twisted and flipped her around.
The paper also reported Alleyne was sandwiched between Akon and another performer, simulating a sex act.
A video of the incident shocked viewers around the world, leading to its removal from YouTube, which deemed the tape indecent.
Cellphone company Verizon also took exception to Akon's behaviour, removing his songs from their download service and revoking sponsorship of Gwen Stefani's tour, for which Akon was the opening act.
In a statement sent to TMZ, the singer said: "First, and most important to me, I want to sincerely apologize for the embarrassment and any pain I've caused to the young woman who joined me on-stage, her family and the Trinidad community for the events at my concert in Port of Spain on April 12th.
"It was never my intention to embarrass or take advantage of my fans in any way, especially those under the age of 18. That is why we tried to make sure that the club did not admit anyone under 18 in the audience. Somehow, that standard was not met.
"Again, I apologize to those concerned and to all my fans and I pledge to all that we will strive to make sure this type of incident does not happen again."
- NZHERALD STAFF
