Verizon Pulls Out Of Gwen Stefani Tour – Akon Simulated Rape Scandal Fallout
The fallout from the Akon Simulated Rape Controversy grows wider. Gwen Stefani, who was not there at the time of the incident involving Akon, has also lost her corporate tour sponsorship because of the incident. This is a move that could cost her literally millions of dollars.
But marketing value can be worth as much as $1 million or more. Stefani manager Jim Guerinot, of Rebel Waltz, declined to discuss the financial terms, but told Billboard.com that “we’re just in the beginning stages of evaluating” the impact of Verizon’s move. Regarding the presenting sponsorship, Guerinot says, “We’re surprised and shocked they’ve backed out of it.”
As for Akon, Guerinot said, “Akon has been a perfect gentleman on this tour. His show has at best been a PG show. Children of all ages have been attending. We have had no complaints — nothing but satisfied people. And I would say that we’re shocked that Verizon would drop Gwen Stefani as part of this whole debate.”
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.
Well this news seems to be relatively surprising. Do you think this is fair to Gwen Stefani?
Resource: Hollywood Reporter
