Akon and his estranged wife, Tomeka Thiam, are moving into a more contentious phase of their divorce, according to new filings in Los Angeles Superior Court. TMZ broke the news on Sunday, November 16.
The Grammy-nominated performer asked the court to terminate any request for spousal support, responding directly to Tomeka’s September petition, in which she also urged the court to deny support for him. The parallel requests indicate that both parties seek to safeguard their individual finances as they dissolve a marriage that has lasted nearly three decades.
In his filing, Akon also requested joint physical custody of the couple’s 17-year-old child. Tomeka is seeking joint legal custody but wants sole physical custody.
The competing proposals place the court in the position of determining how to divide parental rights and responsibilities in a long-term marriage involving a minor. The custody dispute is likely to become a central issue as proceedings advance.
Akon Says Estranged Wife Doesn’t Deserve Spousal Support
The divorce arrives while Akon faces unrelated legal trouble in Georgia. Authorities arrested the singer last week after he failed to appear on a charge tied to driving with a suspended license. The arrest introduced another legal concern at a time when he is navigating a significant family restructuring, creating parallel challenges in two jurisdictions.
The filings underscore the shift in a personal and financial partnership that has run alongside Akon’s expansive career in music, technology, and international development. While the couple has yet to outline the full scope of their assets in court, both have signaled an intent to limit financial obligations to one another as the case moves forward.
Akon’s stance on spousal support indicates he is seeking to preserve control of his earnings while retaining close involvement in his child’s life. Tomeka’s position reflects similar financial caution, though her request for primary physical custody could shape the court’s assessment of parenting schedules and long-term care.
The case illustrates the complex legal questions that arise when a high-profile marriage ends after decades, including how to allocate custody, calculate support, and address potential public scrutiny. Upcoming hearings will determine how the court balances these competing priorities as the parties negotiate the final terms of their separation.
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