Akon Divorce: Wife Tomeka Thiam files after 29 years, seeking custody and support as singer’s polygamy views resurface
Court documents filed in Fulton County, Georgia, on 11 September 2025, show Thiam is seeking to dissolve the union on the grounds of irreconcilable differences.
Also read: ‘I’ve seen poverty’ Akon reveals he was happier being poor
The couple, who share one daughter, were due to mark their 29th wedding anniversary next month.
In her petition, Thiam requested joint legal custody but asked for primary physical custody, with visitation rights granted to Akon.
She is also seeking spousal support, while asking the court to deny the singer’s request for any financial relief from her.
The news comes as Akon, 51, continues to defend his cultural stance on polygamy. In a 2022 interview on The Zeze Mills Show, he described polygamy as “part of our culture,” arguing that Western societies created restrictive rules that ignored natural human behaviour.
The Senegalese-American singer, who has publicly acknowledged fathering nine children, has often spoken about the challenges of balancing family with a global career.
He admitted that while he prioritises financial stability for his household, he is not always present for everyday family events.
“My job ain’t to be doing all that extra stuff and these holidays and recitals,” he said in 2022, adding that technology such as FaceTime allows him to remain connected despite his schedule.
Also read: ‘Slavery deal!’ Samklef officially freed from Akon’s grip
Neither Akon nor Thiam has issued an official public statement since the divorce filing, leaving fans waiting for further clarification on the next chapter of their lives.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
