In 2006, a little-known singer named Stefani Germanotta took her first steps into the music industry, initially signed as a songwriter rather than a performer. Fast forward nearly two decades, and she has become an icon in pop music as Lady Gaga. This article explores the intertwined stories of Gaga and producer Akon, examining recent rumors surrounding their personal and financial lives as they capture the attention of social media.
The Rise of Lady Gaga
Stefani Germanotta, better known as Lady Gaga, began her career writing songs for popular artists like Britney Spears and Fergie. During this time, singer and producer Akon was struggling to complete tracks for his upcoming album, “Konvicted.” A chance opportunity arose when a label executive brought Stefani into the studio to provide a reference vocal for Akon. Her voice impressed him so much that he immediately sought to sign her to his new label, KonLive, as an artist.
Under her new stage name, Gaga’s career skyrocketed, eclipsing the other talents KonLive promoted, such as T-Pain and Kardinal Offishall. By 2013, when Akon sold his share of Gaga’s career back to Interscope, she had sold around 30 million albums and over 100 million singles globally. During her rise, Akon’s earnings surged, with reports indicating he made approximately $66 million between 2008 and 2011, thanks largely to Gaga’s success.
A Viral Twitter Rumor
Recently, a rumor circulating on social media claimed that Akon’s soon-to-be ex-wife, Tomeka Thiam, filed for divorce and demanded €100 million in support, only to discover he had just $10,000. This claim gained traction across TikTok and Twitter, despite confusion over the use of Euros instead of U.S. dollars, which raises questions about the story’s authenticity. One viral tweet stated:
Akon’s wife, Tomeka Thiam, filed a divorce to part ways after 29 years of marriage and demanded €100m as compensation.
The court handling the case only found $10k in Akon’s account, as the singer’s wealth is sitting comfortably in his mother’s account.
— Ọmọ Akin (@GuyMr0) October 12, 2025
The Origins of “Pulling A Hakimi”
Another variation of the rumor suggests that Akon transferred his assets into his mother’s name before the divorce, a strategy referred to on social media as “pulling a Hakimi.” This term originates from a viral incident involving Moroccan soccer player Achraf Hakimi, who allegedly had his assets registered under his mother’s name during a divorce, leading to her discovering he owned nothing. However, this narrative remains unverified and criticized by reputable outlets like the BBC and Reuters.
As for Akon, the popular narrative claiming he similarly concealed his wealth is unfounded. Reports indicate that while he did file for divorce, the speculation about a significant financial maneuver remains entirely fabricated.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the claim that Akon has only $10,000 to his name, along with the exaggerated demands made during the divorce, is largely false. Akon’s estimated net worth stands around $50 million, and while it is truthful that he and Tomeka Thiam are going through a divorce, the finer details of their financial situation are not as dramatic as depicted online. As the legal proceedings unfold, we will provide accurate updates, even if they lack the sensationalism that captures viral attention. This situation underscores the broader issue of how social media incentives can lead to the spread of misinformation.
John is a seasoned journalist at The Bothside News, specializing in balanced reporting across news, sports, business, and lifestyle. He believes in presenting multiple perspectives to help readers form informed opinions. His work embodies the publication’s philosophy that truth emerges from examining all sides of every story.
