Akon

Taking heat for dirty dancing on stage with a 14-year-old preachers daughter, R&B singer Akon offered an apology to the teen and anyone else who was offended by the display.

In a statement released Wednesday (May 9) to The Associated Press, Akon said he was sorry for the incident, but also said he didn't know the girl was underage.

"I want to sincerely apologize for the embarrassment and any pain I've caused to the young woman who joined me onstage, her family and the Trinidad community for the events at my concert," Akon said.

"It was never my intention to embarrass or take advantage of my fans in any way, especially those under the age of 18. That is why we tried to make sure that the club did not admit anyone under 18 in the audience," he said. "Somehow, that standard was not met."

Since the incident, Verizon has pulled out as a sponsor of his tour with Gwen Stefani, for whom he wrote the hit "The Sweet Escape."