Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur has come under fire after defending the famous Nick Cannon for having children.
Cannon, known for having a big family, is ready to become a dad for the 12th time with his model girlfriend, Alyssa Scott.
The TV show host already fathers eleven kids with six different women, including his twins, Monroe and Moroccan, whom he co-parents with his ex-wife, Mariah Carey.
With this many kids, Cannon is already guilty of not spending enough time with all of them.
Earlier this month, the 42-year-old rapper appeared on Paramount+’s The Checkup with Dr. David Agus and admitted that he has been struggling to keep up with the work-life balance during the last few years.
“Being a father of multiple kids, it’s always the biggest guilt on me is that I don’t get to spend enough time with all my children,” he said.
“One ’cause I’m constantly working and two, because I’m just spread thin,” he added.
Now, 49-year-old Akon who is also a father of nine children defends Nick for having a large family full of children and says that it’s the mother’s responsibility to look after the kids.
The Smack That star appeared on The Zeze Mills Show and said that he 1000 percent agrees with Nick Cannon for having 12 kids with different women.
“That’s how life is supposed to be. Why not? He’s rich…he’s responsible. He takes care of every one of those children, and the baby mothers with it. And they hurt for nothing and they live comfortably,” he told the show host.
When Zeze Mills argued that men often believe that women only need financial assistance from men for their children; however, they also need their time to manage the kids and their needs.
“This what I mean about men, right? You guys think that just having kids and giving money is enough. But what about the time?” she asked.
The rapper, however, maintained his stance and said that wasn’t the case with him and Nick Cannon.
“He’s there for every one of them. He’s there for every single one of those kids. I got nine [kids], and I’m there for every one of mine,” he replied.
The conversation then heated a little bit when Zeze asked Akon if he was present at every single recital of his nine children.
“No, that’s a white man’s thing. Who gives a f**k about a recital?” The singer retorted back. “No, seriously. Listen, my job is to raise my kids, to be responsible, to be understanding, to protect their mother, to give a hand with their father, and to assist with family planning, and to be responsible adults.”
Speaking about his responsibilities towards his kids, the 49-year-old rapper said, “While I’m taking care of my responsibility to make sure the family has a roof over their head and food, if I have the time to do that and show love, yes, I will do that. But my responsibility is to make sure they grow up responsible and strong and become an input to society.”
When Mills tried to argue by saying, “But if you’re not around them enough to give them…” the musician interrupted her and said,
“That’s false, no, that’s not true. Communication allows me to be there every day. That’s what FaceTime and phone is for.
“The reason why people like me can’t spend every day and minute with their children is because the mother’s job is to be there with the children.”
The record producer has landed in hot waters after giving his controversial remarks on fatherhood, and netizens are not happy with his responses.
“Akon vouching for nick cannon saying he’s there for every one of his kid I’m like how does he know that son that’s a lot of kids what does being rich gotta do with it,” one user wrote on Twitter.
“No respect for Akon, Nick Cannon & Diddy,” another said.
“Dear Akon, you know who gives a fuck about missing recitals? Your kids. If you’re having so many kids that you can’t actually show up for them then yea you’re in the wrong,” another tweeted.
“This Akon commentary got me mad AF. I’m not nearly as rich nor busy as Nick Cannon but I’m always feeling sad & disappointed when I don’t get my QT with my lil one. Providing a roof, money and food..that’s the bare bones of parenting, the time you put in though..that’s the meat,” an angry user wrote.
“Akon’s comments about Nick Cannon is exactly what’s wrong with men. They think all they have to do is provide and that equates to love. Your kids want your time, not your money. Quality time and attention is how to show your love to your kids,” another wrote.
Do you agree with Akon’s views on parenting? Let us know in the comment section.
Sources: The Zeze Mills Show – The Checkup with Dr. David Agus
