Just days before their 29th wedding anniversary, singer Akon’s wife, Tomeka Thiam, has filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.

According to court filings obtained by People, Thiam listed the couple’s date of separation as “to be determined.” The pair share a 17-year-old daughter, Journey.

She has requested joint legal custody of Journey, while seeking primary physical custody for herself and visitation rights for Akon. Thiam has also asked for spousal support and urged the court not to grant any support to the 52-year-old singer.

Akon, who made his Bollywood debut with songs like Chammak Challo and Criminal in Shah Rukh Khan’s 2011 sci-fi film Ra.One, has been vocal about his belief in polygamy. In a 2022 interview, he said he has nine children and described having multiple wives as “part of our culture.”

“(Polygamy is) part of our culture. Absolutely,” Akon said at the time, adding, “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.”

The “Smack That” hitmaker has said he remains actively involved in his children’s lives, stressing that his role is to ensure they grow up “responsible and understanding,” while providing for their mothers.

“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,” he said, noting that technology helps him stay connected.

He has also said that both marriage and dating qualify as “real relationships.”

Source: NDTV