Senegalese-born American singer, Akon has defended himself after he received backlash for suggesting that poor people have much easier lives than the rich and famous.
After the death of his friend, Michael K Wiliams, Akon told TMZ that, that actor’s death proves the rich and famous struggle more than the poor.
In a more recent interview with TMZ, he addressed the criticisms he received for his statement that “more money” equals “more problems”.
Akon said: “It’s not really more so a walk back, but what I do want to express is that sometimes when comments like that are made—I always speak according to what I’m personally going through myself.
“Nobody can sit there and tell me I didn’t go through poverty.
“I’m having more problems successfully dealing with all that comes with success than I had when I was poor. I was actually happier when I was poor.”