Akon’s wife files for divorce; the split comes before the 29th anniversary; custody and support are in focus

Singer Akon is facing a personal setback as his wife, Tomeka Thiam, has filed for divorce just days before what would have been their 29 wedding anniversary.According to legal documents obtained by People, Thiam cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.

While she listed the date of separation as “TBD,” she confirmed that the couple shares one child together, 17-year-old daughter Journey.

Custody and support requests detailed

In her filing, Tomeka Thiam has requested joint legal custody of Journey while seeking primary physical custody. This arrangement would allow Akon visitation rights. Additionally, she has requested spousal support and asked the court not to award the singer any spousal support in return.

The Grammy-nominated artist, now 52, has openly spoken about his family dynamics in the past, revealing in interviews that he has nine children.

Akon’s earlier views on polygamy and parenting

In a 2022 interview, he stated, “(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.” Musician Amirror had also claimed in 2023 that she was one of Akon’s four wives.

When speaking about fatherhood, Akon said he has always been present for his nine children. “My job isn’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,” he explained.Meanwhile, earlier in a talk with Ladbible, Akon said that having to emotionally and physically commit with more than one partner is easier and always a better choice. He said, "Let's say, hypothetically, you've got four Ferraris, different colors. Every day you dress your outfit, you know which one to pull in, right? It makes it easier." He added that when you only have a red one, then the person will think, 'How am I going to look in this one tomorrow and next week?'.

For Akon, 'A person can't wear the same outfit every day.'