Although he’s doing business with Michael Jackson and the hottest singers and rappers, Akon can’t seem to shake the downside of being famous. The 34-year-old singer pleaded not guilty Monday (Dec. 3) to criminal charges that were filed after he tossed a fan offstage this summer during a concert in Fishkill, NY.
According to reports, Akon made a brief appearance in court before he was released on his own recognizance. Although the case will resume in January, don’t expect Akon to make another cameo as the crooner’s lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, will be able to stand in for him at future court appearances.
The court appearance is the newest development in the aftermath of the fan tossing incident. Akon was charged with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree harassment after a female fan complained about a concussion she suffered after a 15-year-old boy the hitmaker threw off the stage fell on her during the concert, which took place June 3 at a local minor league baseball stadium.
The incident was sparked when an object was thrown at Akon during his show, according to those who attended the performance. The singer, who took offense to the action, soon asked concertgoers to point out the person responsible. The boy was later brought up to Akon, who hoisted the teen onto his shoulders and tossed him into the crowd.
"It was never Akon's intention to violate the law," Brafman said in a written statement released to the media. "This unfortunate incident was a spontaneous reaction during a live concert that Akon deeply regrets."
In happier Akon news, the singer joined Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Ne-Yo and Kanye West among this year’s Grammy Award nominees. Although the awards won’t be given out until February, Akon already knows what he’s going to do should he win one of the four Grammy he’s nominated for.
"I'm calling my mom," he told MTV. "She's probably going to scream, 'cause she's always said, 'You know what, you're gonna win.'"
Now that he has someone in mind to make his one phone call should he end up in the big house, maybe now Akon can get that "Sorry, Blame it On Me" Long Arm of the Law remix with fellow law-abiding singer R. Kelly in the can too. To keep his name out there, of course.
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