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Akon has been charged with a misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree harassment after allegedly throwing a teenager off the stage during a concert this summer in Fishkill, New York.
It was during a concert on June 3 in Fishkill, New York that an unhappy incident seems to have taken place.
The Poughkeepsie Journal reports the singer is due to be arraigned in Fishkill Town Court on Monday, on a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a minor, and second-degree harassment, a violation, reports the Associated Press, citing a news release from Police Chief Donald Williams.
During that particular show, a string of events led to an alleged accident. According to the Journal, someone threw a small object at Akon as he was about to start singing on stage. The singer asked the crowd who had thrown the object and when the alleged culprit was identified by audience members, the fan was brought on stage.
Akon reportedly lifted the 15-year-old boy over his shoulder and threw him into the crowd, commenting, “Now we can start the show, y'all ready.”
The Journal reports that the boy landed on Abby Rosa, who told the paper she was later found to have a concussion. She said she has hired a lawyer and spoken to Fishkill police.
The singer's Manhattan lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, released a statement a few days after the June 3 concert at Dutchess Stadium – which was filmed by fans on their cell phone cameras - saying there was no basis for criminal charges, reports the AP.
Akon had another controversial concert this year however, it did not lead to court appearances. In April, while touring with singer Gwen Stefani, Akon was heavily criticized for simulating sex with a 14-year-old girl on stage, during a concert in Trinidad.
Akon apologized, explaining he had not been aware that the girl was under-age. There were consequences to be faced. Verizon withdrew its sponsorship of the tour.
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