Akon Charged For Fan-Tossing

Hip-hop star Akon has been hit with two charges for throwing a fan from the stage into another spectator at a performance.

The June 3 concert at Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill, N.Y. was interrupted when a fan threw something onto the stage at the rapper. Akon had the crowd identify the culprit and then brought him on stage, where he heaved the 15 year old onto his shoulders and then threw him into the crowd. He landed on spectator Abby Rosa, who was later diagnosed with a concussion. Rosa, who spoke to police about the incident after her diagnosis, has hired a lawyer.

Akon's lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, released a statement a few days after the incident saying that there was no basis for criminal charges.

According to a news release from Fishkill police chief Donald Williams, Akon is due in court Monday to face a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a minor and second degree harassment.

This isn't the first time that Akon has found himself in hot water after a performance. A video of him having simulated sex on stage with a 14-year-old girl at an April concert in Trinidad exploded onto the internet and drew heavy public criticism. Although Akon later apologized for his actions, saying that he didn't realize that the girl was underage, Verizon pulled its sponsorship of his tour with Gwen Stefani.

Akon, whose Konvicted album has sold more than one million copies in the U.S., will be featured on the expanded 25th anniversary edition of Michael Jackson's iconic Thriller, which remains the best-selling album of all time. Akon will be heard on a remixed version of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" with Jackson and Black Eyed Pea Will.i.am. The 25th anniversary edition is due on Feb. 12 from Epic/Legacy Recordings.