Akon Faces Divorce as Wife Cites Irreconcilable Differences

September 12, 2025

Akon Faces Divorce as Wife Cites Irreconcilable Differences

Singer Akon and his wife, Tomeka Thiam, are reportedly headed for divorce just before their 29th wedding anniversary. Thiam filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences, according to court documents obtained by people.com. The date of separation is listed as “TBD.” The couple shares a 17-year-old daughter named Journey. Thiam is seeking joint legal custody but prefers to have physical custody of Journey, with Akon granted visitation rights. She has also requested spousal support and asked that Akon not be awarded any spousal support.

Akon, known for hits like “Right Now,” made his Bollywood debut with “Chammak Challo” and “Criminal” in the film *Ra.One*. Akon has previously stated his belief in polygamy and, in a 2022 interview, mentioned having nine children. In 2023, musician Amirror claimed to be one of Akon’s four wives.

In a 2022 interview, Akon defended polygamy, stating, “(Polygamy is) part of our culture. Absolutely. For me, it looks normal because it’s culture for us. We didn’t go outside of our African culture when we got to the Western world. See, the flaw that the Western world made is they created all these rules without putting nature into account.”

The “Smack That” singer also affirmed his commitment to his children, saying it was his responsibility “to raise my kids to be responsible, to be understanding and to protect their mother.” He added, “My job ain’t to be doing all that extra stuff and these holidays and recitals. While I’m taking care of my responsibility to make sure the family has a roof over their head and food, if I have the time to do that and show love, yes, I will do that.”

Akon emphasized the importance of communication in maintaining relationships with his children, stating, “Communication allows me to be there every day. That’s what my FaceTime phone is for.” He also expressed his view that both marriage and dating constitute “real relationship(s).”