International singer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Akon has recently found himself in the middle of a high-profile divorce case that has drawn global attention. His long-time wife, Tomeka Thiam, filed for divorce after nearly 29 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. The filing reportedly took place just days before their 29th wedding anniversary, marking a dramatic turn in what had been one of the industry’s more private long-term unions.
Tomeka and Akon share a teenage daughter, and as part of her filing, Tomeka is seeking joint legal custody but sole physical custody of their child. She is also reported to have requested spousal support while stating that Akon himself should not receive any support from her.
While celebrity divorces are not unusual, what has set this case apart are the financial details that have surfaced since the filing, particularly the claim that Akon’s personal account held only around $10,000 at the time of disclosure, despite his global fame and years of high-earning ventures in music, business, and philanthropy.
The Alleged Asset Structure
Reports surrounding the case suggest that a significant portion of Akon’s wealth and business interests may not be held in his own name. Instead, several sources have alleged that much of his assets, including properties, investments, and earnings, could be under his mother’s control.
This revelation sparked widespread conversation online, as it paints a picture of a financial strategy that could make it difficult for a spouse to access marital wealth during a divorce. Although there is no confirmed public statement from Akon addressing this claim directly, the reported structure has led many to revisit the question of how celebrity finances are sometimes organised behind the scenes.
According to documents and insider claims, the entertainer’s financial disclosures showed little liquid cash, which raised suspicions that wealth may be shielded through family members. The method of keeping assets under a parent’s or relative’s name has precedent in both sports and entertainment industries and has been the subject of debate regarding its legality and ethics.
Celebrities Who Have Done the Same
Akon’s reported move to have his finances tied to his mother’s account has reminded the public of a number of similar celebrity cases, particularly that of football star Achraf Hakimi. In 2023, it was revealed during Hakimi’s divorce proceedings that the majority of his wealth, including houses, cars, and salary income, was registered under his mother’s name. When his wife filed for divorce, it was discovered that he technically owned very little, even though he was one of the highest-paid players in his league.
That revelation became an international talking point and inspired discussions on financial protection, marital law, and asset shielding. Many observers have noted that Akon’s case appears to follow a similar trajectory, with the same strategy at play, a deliberate structuring of wealth to minimise exposure during divorce.
Other public figures have also been linked to similar financial arrangements. In past celebrity separations, it has been reported that entertainers and athletes sometimes register assets in the names of parents, siblings, or companies to protect wealth from legal claims or to simplify tax and inheritance management. While not all such arrangements are illegal, their purpose and timing often become central issues in high-value divorce proceedings.
The €100 Million Settlement Demand
In Tomeka Thiam’s petition, she is reportedly seeking a settlement of approximately €100 million. The figure reflects both the couple’s long marriage and Akon’s significant business ventures, which include multiple music labels, international real estate projects, and investments across Africa, including the much-publicised “Akon City” development in Senegal.
However, with most of his known business holdings reportedly not listed under his personal name, proving the existence and ownership of assets could become a complex legal battle. If it is determined that Akon indeed transferred ownership or registered assets in his mother’s name before the divorce, the court may have to decide whether such transfers constitute legitimate family arrangements or attempts to conceal marital property.
Legal Implications of the Alleged Asset Transfer
If the allegations about Akon’s asset structure prove accurate, several legal questions arise:
- Beneficial Ownership – Even if assets are under another person’s name, courts can examine whether the true “beneficial owner” is the spouse being sued. In other words, if Akon controls or benefits from those assets, they could still be considered part of the marital estate.
- Fraudulent Transfer Concerns – If the transfer or registration of assets in his mother’s name occurred with the intention of avoiding division during divorce, the act could be viewed as fraudulent under certain jurisdictions. Courts can overturn such arrangements if proven.
- Jurisdictional Complexity – Because Akon’s career and business operations span the United States, Africa, and the Middle East, determining which jurisdiction’s marital property laws apply will significantly affect the case outcome.
- Proof and Documentation – The burden lies on Tomeka and her legal team to show that the assets in question were transferred or controlled in a way that intentionally deprived her of fair settlement rights. Such cases often involve forensic accounting, bank statements, and corporate records.
The story has quickly become a talking point beyond entertainment circles, sparking wider debates about financial transparency in marriages and how celebrities protect their wealth. Some fans expressed disbelief that an artist of Akon’s global stature could claim to have so little in personal accounts, while others viewed the situation as a strategic financial move.
The controversy also touches on cultural attitudes about family trust. In many African and global communities, it is not unusual for successful individuals to keep assets within the family, particularly under a parent’s oversight as a way of protecting family legacy. Whether that applies to Akon’s situation remains to be seen, as the case continues to unfold.
As of the latest developments, neither Akon nor his wife has publicly spoken in detail about the financial allegations. Legal representatives on both sides are reportedly preparing for negotiations that could determine whether a settlement is reached or the matter proceeds to full litigation.
What remains clear is that the financial disclosure, showing only a modest personal balance, has shifted the focus of the divorce from emotional grounds to financial transparency. If the courts decide to trace the true ownership of assets linked to Akon’s businesses or family accounts, the outcome could set a significant precedent in celebrity divorce law.
Akon’s divorce may ultimately be remembered not just for its emotional stakes but for what it reveals about wealth management in high-profile marriages. His situation mirrors that of other celebrities who have faced similar scrutiny for channelling assets through family members to protect wealth sometimes successfully, sometimes not.
As the proceedings move forward, legal experts will be watching closely to see how the court interprets the relationship between Akon’s declared income, his mother’s control of assets, and his wife’s €100 million claim. Until official rulings emerge, the world can only speculate on how much of Akon’s fortune truly lies beyond his personal reach and what that means for the future of marital law in celebrity culture.
