Last week Verizon Wireless pulled out as a sponsor on Gwen Stefani’s Sweet Escape tour because of the Akon incident that occurred in Trinidad last month. Akon was videotaped humping a 14-year old girl on stage which for obvious reasons raised a lot of eyebrows. In case you were wondering, Akon is the opening act for Gwen Stefani’s current tour.
Not only did they pull as one of the sponsors, Verizon Wireless has also removed all Akon ringtones and music from its stores.
Stefani’s manager Jim Guerinot said, "We're just in the beginning stages of evaluating" the impact of Verizon's move.
Regarding Verizon Wireless backing out as a sponsor, Guerinot says, "We're surprised and shocked they've backed out of it."
As for Akon, Guerinot says, "Akon has been a perfect gentleman on this tour. His show has at best been a PG show. Children of all ages have been attending. We have had no complaints--nothing but satisfied people. And I would say that we're shocked that Verizon would drop Gwen Stefani as part of this whole debate."



























