Akon’s long-time wife, Tomeka Thiam, has filed for divorce just days before their 29th wedding anniversary, bringing an end to nearly three decades of marriage.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Thiam who married the Senegalese-American singer on 15 September 1996 cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.
The pair share a 17-year-old daughter, Journey. Thiam is requesting joint legal custody but wants sole physical custody, with Akon granted visitation rights. She is also seeking spousal support, while asking the court to block the possibility of Akon receiving any from her.
The 52-year-old artist, born Aliaune Badara Thiam, has long been open about his views on polygamy. In a 2022 interview, he confirmed he is father to nine children.
Over the years, women linked to him including Rozina Negusei, Amirror, and Tricia Ann Thiam have claimed to be his wives. Last year, singer Amirror revealed she first met Akon in 2012 through a mutual producer, later joining his label Konvict Kulture in 2018. She described their connection as both professional and personal.
Thiam’s divorce filing marks a significant turning point in the Senegalese-American’s often headline-making personal life.