Verizon severs ties with rap star Akon

NEW YORK - Verizon Wireless has abruptly pulled out as the presenting sponsor on Gwen Stefani's current Sweet Escape tour due to an incident involving the trek's opening act, Akon.

The communications company severed ties with the Senegalese singer Friday after video surfaced that showed him simulating sex onstage with a 15-year-old girl.

During an April 12 concert in Trinidad, Akon announced a "dance contest" that featured a grand-prize trip to Africa. Danah Alleyne, the 15-year-old daughter of a pastor, won the "contest" - but the prize was not a trip to Africa. Akon announced that he was "Africa," and proceeded to simulate multiple sexual positions with the girl as the crowd cheered. To see the infamous video, click here: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1r5u3_akon-trinidad.

"I got carried away," Alleyne said in a public apology last month after a local TV station aired the footage. "I started to dance, as well, but I never thought it was going to be like that. I was shocked.

In addition to ending its affiliation with the trek, Verizon has also removed Akon ringtones and music from its stores and handsets. The Verizon Wireless V Cast TV spots featuring Akon are also history.

Industry sources put the cash value of a tour sponsorship package like the one between Stefani and Verizon in the $1.5-$2 million range in cash, which artists typically use to finance production, startup costs and other tour expenses.

Industry observers say it will be difficult for Stefani and her team to pull another sponsor into the Sweet Escape tour, which has North American dates on the books through June 30 in Las Vegas. To this point, no dates have been cancelled and Akon remains on the tour.