Akon Charged In Fan Toss

Akon pleaded not guilty December 3rd to charges filed against him stemming from a fan-tossing incident at a June 3rd concert in New York.

The R&B star is charged with the misdemeanor of endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree harassment, a violation. He was released on his own recognizance.

"It was never Akon’s intention to violate the law," an attorney for Akon said in a statement. "This unfortunate incident was a spontaneous reaction during a live concert that Akon deeply regrets."

The charges stem from when Akon hurled a teenaged boy into the crowd from the stage during a sold-out KFEST performance at Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill, N.Y.

A female concertgoer later told police she sustained a concussion when the boy landed on her.

A video clip of the incident shows the teen, who allegedly threw something at the performer, being called onstage by Akon. A security guard helped the boy through the crowd and onto the stage. Akon then hoisted the teen up over his head, tossed him headfirst into the crowd and continued with his set.

Akon faces 15 days in jail on the violation as well as fines and up to one year in jail for the misdemeanor if convicted, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal.

A hearing in the case has been set for January 16th.