Global music icon Akon is facing a significant personal upheaval as his wife of nearly three decades, Tomeka Thiam, has officially filed for divorce—just weeks before their 29th wedding anniversary.
According to court documents obtained by People and filed on September 11, 2025, in Fulton County, Georgia, Thiam is seeking to dissolve their long-standing marriage, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason. The couple shares one daughter.
In her petition, Thiam is asking for joint legal custody of their daughter but is requesting primary physical custody, while granting Akon visitation rights. She is also seeking spousal support and has asked the court to deny any similar claims from the singer.
The divorce filing comes as Akon, 51, continues to make headlines for his outspoken defense of polygamy, which he has often described as part of his cultural heritage. In a 2022 appearance on The Zeze Mills Show, he explained,
“(Polygamy is) part of our culture… We didn’t go outside of our African culture when we got to the Western world. The flaw that the Western world made is they created all these rules without putting nature into account.”
Akon, who has acknowledged fathering nine children, has openly discussed the challenge of balancing family responsibilities with a demanding music career. He has said that while he prioritizes financial stability for his family, his physical presence is limited:
“My job ain’t to be doing all that extra stuff… While I’m making sure the family has a roof over their head and food, if I have the time to show love, yes, I will do that.”
He also noted that technology has helped him remain present in his children’s lives, saying that video calls allow him to stay connected despite his schedule.
As of now, neither Akon nor Thiam has issued a public statement regarding the divorce proceedings.
