Akon's former booking agents have fired back at the R&B star after he accused them of failing to pay performance fees, breach of contract and trademark infringement in a new lawsuit, insisting they're the ones who are owed cash.
The singer/producer and bosses at his Kon Live Touring, Inc. company filed a complaint against American Talent Agency, Inc. on Thursday (03Mar11) in New York, claiming Ata officials failed to pay "earned performance fees" and booked "unapproved appearances and performances for Akon".
Akon's company terminated its relationship with Ata last year (10) and instructed bosses there to immediately stop providing any further booking services on the star's behalf or exploiting Akon's name, picture or likeness for commercial purposes.
But they allege Ata bosses have secretly booked appearances for Akon in Dubai and India, and pocketed "substantial deposits" from promoters hoping to secure Akon's appearance at events.
Now American Talent Agency bosses are hitting back, stating they've done nothing wrong.
A spokeswoman tells WENN, "American Talent Agency was instrumental in building Akon’s international brand over their four-year-long relationship with him, including lucrative cellular company launches in Uganda and Guinea, the MTV Africa Music Awards in Kenya and a performance in Dubai, which was Akon’s highest paid performance to date.
"Akon’s accusations of failure to pay earned performance fees and bookings of unapproved appearances and performances are untrue... In actuality, there are many performances for which Akon and Kon Live Touring Inc. owe American Talent Agency several thousands of dollars in fees for dates booked by American Talent Agency and also several thousands of dollars for costs in connection with performances booked by American Talent Agency for which Akon unilaterally cancelled or failed to appear, which American Talent Agency has had to absorb on behalf of Akon and Kon Live Touring Inc.
"American Talent Agency will vigorously defend the allegations made against them and will be bringing claims against Kon Live Touring Inc. and Akon individually."