A YOUNG man has sued singer Akon and others over injuries allegedly suffered after the artist jumped from the stage while performing a gig in Dublin.
Jason Harkin (20) claims he suffered injuries to his nose and face while attending a concert by the Senegalese-American RB singer at the RDS in Dublin on January 27th, 2009.
He claims Akon collided with him after jumping from the stage into the crowd.
He has sued Akon, whose real name is Aliaune Thiam, music event management firm Grooveyard Ltd, Moycullen Business Park, Moycullen Co Galway, which organised the concert; and Sword Risk Services Ltd, trading as Sword Event Guard, The Halls, Quay Street, Galway, which provided security at the performance.
Mr Harkin, Milltown Estate, Ashbourne, Co Meath, claims the defendants were negligent and in breach of duty towards him.
When the matter was mentioned before the High Court yesterday, Mr Justice Seán Ryan granted lawyers for Mr Harkin an order allowing them to serve the proceedings on Akon through his management company, American Talent Agency Inc, New York.
In his action, Mr Harkin claims Akon collided with him after jumping into the crowd when it was unsafe to do so and had engaged in behaviour which he ought to have known would cause injury to Mr Harkin.
He also claims the two Galway-based firms allowed the Grammy-nominated singer to repeatedly jump into the crowd, resulting in his suffering injuries, and failed to have medical services in place on the night of the event.
It is also alleged the firms failed to take steps to ensure the audience was safe at the concert.
Mr Harkin claims he was struck across the face and nose by the singer, causing severe pain and discomfort.
He was hospitalised for two days and underwent treatment including manipulation of a fractured nasal bone, it is claimed.
He says he still suffers from significant problems with his breathing, and cannot breathe through the right side of his nose. He also claims his speech has changed and he is unable to take part in sporting activities to the extent that he had.
He says that he requires further surgery to correct the problems suffered.