Tomeka Thiam Files for Divorce After Nearly 30 Years

Key Highlights

• Divorce Filing: Akon’s wife of 28 years, Tomeka Thiam, filed for divorce just before their anniversary.
• Custody Request: She is seeking joint legal custody of their youngest child and physical custody of their 17-year-old.
• Clarification: Akon’s alleged second wife, Amirah-Iman Thiam, stated their marriage is intact amidst divorce rumors.
• Cultural Insight: Akon has expressed his belief in polygamy as a cultural norm, emphasizing the importance of communication with his children.

Akon is typically private about his love life, but on Friday (September 12), the singer’s business became the internet’s. This comes after TMZ reported that his wife of 28 years, Tomeka Thiam, filed for divorce. He has yet to comment on the filing. In the latest update, his alleged second wife, Amirah-Iman Thiam, has stepped in to clear the air after a photo of her and Akon was erroneously used online to report the divorce news.

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28 Years Later, Tomeka Files For Divorce

According to PEOPLE, Thiam filed for a split on September 11, four days before the estranged couple’s 29th wedding anniversary. They wed on September 15, 1996. She gave no date of separation, writing “TBD.” As for the reason, she wrote “irreconcilable differences.” She’s requesting spousal support, but asking the court not to award him any.

Akon and Tomeka Thiam share two children, and she’s seeking joint legal custody of their youngest, Journey, and physical custody of their 17-year-old. She’s open to visitation for dad, but didn’t specify terms.

So far, it appears Akon has not responded.

Second Wife Amirah-Iman Clears The Air On Marriage To Akon

Amirror, real name Amirah-Iman Iman, is celebrating her birthday this weekend and has been sharing her out-of-the-country chronicles, such as birthday footage! On Monday (September 15), she seemingly addressed a photo circulating of her and Akon on the red carpet, as it’s being used to report the divorce news. See the photo below–Getty Images has since corrected its caption to include “Amirror,” but the agency still has it listed under Tomeka Thiam.

In an Instagram Story post, she wrote her full name on the photo and then explained in a follow-up post that there are only two wives in Akon’s life, and HER marriage to him is fine. She’s “happily married.” She also clarified that her wedding was in Senegal and not in the U.S. to reflect her religious beliefs. Additionally, she said they’ve been together for almost 10 years and that she’d like to keep her life private as she’s protective of him and their family. Her message also seemed to be pointed at another post, but it’s unclear whose. She followed up with multiple photos featuring her husband!

“Please refrain from using my photos–those don’t represent my name or my circumstances. And really, it’s best to focus on your own affairs! You’re completely off target. And it ain’t no other wife! But us 2! Stop playing with me won’t speak on this EVER AGAIN! I hate the internet.”

While Akon hasn’t revealed much about who he’s dating or married, just a few years ago, Amirah-Iman claimed on a podcast that Akon had four wives. She claimed the wives are spread across L.A., Atlanta, and Africa and have different households and lifestyles. She emphasized that it’s not manipulation with the singer but culture and their lifestyle. As for the other wives, she said they don’t have to see each other or be cool because of it.

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How Does Akon Reportedly Feel About Marriage?

Akon reportedly has nine children, but it’s been a mystery for years how many wives he has. He’s been open about embracing polygamy as part of his culture and lifestyle. For example, in 2022, he said it “looks normal” and considered both dating and marriage a “real relationship.” Speaking on ‘The Zeke Mills Show,’ the ‘Lonely’ singer said, “See, the flaw that the Western world made is they created all these rules without putting nature into account,” per PEOPLE.

As for his children, the singer clearly stated that his role is provider, ensuring his family “has a roof over their [heads] and food.” If time allows, he can be the recital-attending, holiday-celebrating dad. Otherwise, His phone helps fills in the space. His ultimate goal is to “raise his kids to be responsible, to be understanding,” and to protect their moms.

“Communication allows me to be there every day. That’s what my FaceTime phone is for.”

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