May 08, 2007, 12:00 AM ET

 

Michael Paoletta, N.Y. and Ray Waddell, Nashville

Verizon Wireless has abruptly pulled out as the presenting sponsor on Gwen Stefani's current Sweet Escape tour due to an incident involving the trek's opening act, Akon.

 

Last month, during a concert in Trinidad, Akon danced provocatively with a 15-year-old fan. When footage of the onstage dance found its way online, Verizon got cold feet. (Akon's show in Trinidad was unrelated to and not part of the Sweet Escape tour, which commenced April 21 in Phoenix.)

 

In addition to ending its affiliation with the Sweet Escape trek, Verizon has also removed Akon ringtones and music from its stores and handsets. The Verizon Wireless V Cast TV spots featuring Akon are also history.

 

Industry sources put the cash value of a tour sponsorship package like the one between Stefani and Verizon in the $1.5-$2 million range in cash, which artists typically use to finance production, startup costs and other tour expenses.

 

But marketing value can be worth as much as $1 million or more. Stefani manager Jim Guerinot, of Rebel Waltz, declined to discuss the financial terms, but does tell Billboard.com that "we're just in the beginning stages of evaluating" the impact of Verizon's move. Regarding the presenting sponsorship, Guerinot says, "We're surprised and shocked they've backed out of it."

 

 

As for Akon, Guerinot says, "Akon has been a perfect gentleman on this tour. His show has at best been a PG show. Children of all ages have been attending. We have had no complaints -- nothing but satisfied people. And I would say that we're shocked that Verizon would drop Gwen Stefani as part of this whole debate."

 

Industry observers say it will be difficult for Stefani and her team to pull another sponsor into the Sweet Escape tour, which has North American dates on the books through June 30 in Las Vegas. To this point, no dates have been cancelled and Akon remains on the tour.

 

Akon and Verizon spokespeople were unavailable for comment.

 

You can watch the leaked video footage here:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1rkcv_ak...ool-in-trinidad

BUT I WARN YOU! This is disgusting, only watch it if you want proof on what a tw@t he was and is!

 

Now everyone know's how much I hate Akon and his music but now I wont be able to see or here him or his music without feeling sick and wanting to bash his head in! :puke2:

 

I really hope this is the end of his career but I may as well dream on...I bet he will be forgiven so quickly!

 

Oh and this is the girl:

http://www.myspace.com/divatrixie

Edited May 8, 200718 yr by Mowbli

Its looks seriosuly like he is raping her only with clothes on,im shocked.

Its looks seriosuly like he is raping her only with clothes on,im shocked.

 

Yes it does, I'm not too sure if the girl is screaming with fear or just happy Akon is on her. :unsure:

I thought this girl was 14? :unsure: Anyway as much as I think Akon's a prick, it was just as much her fault and the fact of her MySpace it states her as 19 years old it shows that she's lying about her age.

 

But anyway, I think Akon's career shall slowly fade away because of this. Takes a lot to build up a reputation again and all his has been well and truely lost. Reminds me a lot of the Jade and Jo incident on Big Brother tbh.

I thought this girl was 14? :unsure: Anyway as much as I think Akon's a prick, it was just as much her fault and the fact of her MySpace it states her as 19 years old it shows that she's lying about her age.

 

But anyway, I think Akon's career shall slowly fade away because of this. Takes a lot to build up a reputation again and all his has been well and truely lost. Reminds me a lot of the Jade and Jo incident on Big Brother tbh.

 

Well judging by her myspace pics she does seem like a bit of a hoe don't she? :lol:

But no way should Akon have acted like that, maybe kissed her on the cheek or hugged her but that's about it, not bloody basically raping her and throwing her about with his clothes on lol

It kinda looks like he 'ragdolled' her,and the security guards looked uncomfortable.

Well judging by her myspace pics she does seem like a bit of a hoe don't she? :lol:

But no way should Akon have acted like that, maybe kissed her on the cheek or hugged her but that's about it, not bloody basically raping her and throwing her about with his clothes on lol

 

Yep he shouldn't have acted in the way he did. He's a responsible adult and a role model and not some goon who thinks it's alright to go and prance about on stage with someone like that. Still I think he'll be really learning his lesson after this. I can't imagine Gwen's people being best too pleased with him at all...

Plus where does he run off too ?

I bet we will get a few people saying stuff like "how on earth was Akon meant to know she was only 15, she entered the over 18's club and was dressed like a slag" etc etc. but the thing is, if it was anyone 15, 25 or 50, he had no right to act in such a sexual and disgusting way to any woman!

No way will Akon's career be over now. Im not a fan but look at downloads of Dont Matter in the UK now - doing better than ever. That phrase about all press being good press springs to mind.

No way will Akon's career be over now. Im not a fan but look at downloads of Dont Matter in the UK now - doing better than ever. That phrase about all press being good press springs to mind.

 

Yeah but the UK don't really know about this incident do they? :unsure:

Radio 1 are still playing his songs & everything. They were even giving away a chance to go to a concert of his!!!!! :o :o Disgusts Me

I bet she was loving it. Everyone's been complaining about it except her :lol:

I bet she was loving it. Everyone's been complaining about it except her :lol:

Exactly lol, shes a right $l*t!

This isn't affecting Akon's career!!! :o I guess no one really knows about it.....! And i'm ashamed that i actually like dont matter and USED to like other songs of him. D-scusting!