As the news of actor Michael K. Williams’ death continues to sink in, TMZ caught up with Akon in Los Angeles on Tuesday (September 7) to get his thoughts on the tragic loss.
During the interview, Akon paid tribute to the 54-year-old The Wire actor, who he called a “really good friend.” He described him as an “amazing person” and “super talented,” and said his death on Monday (September 6) was a “sad day.”
However, the “Locked Up” rapper then went onto make some comments that are likely to cause a stir on social media. While reflecting on Michael K. Williams‘ passing, which was reportedly the result of a drug overdose, Akon claimed celebrities have more struggles than poor folk.
“Dude, the famous and the rich go through more issues than the poor,” he said. “You know when they say, ‘Mo’ money, mo’ problems’? That’s a real thing.”
Akon also touched on how the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for people to check in on their friends — himself and Williams included — a factor he seems to suggest contributed to the actor’s death.
“This business creates this environment where everyone’s wearing a mask,” he said. “No one tells you what’s really going on in your life, so real friends can’t really even advise you because they don’t really know what’s happening. Because we put on this facade of success, but yet behind the face, there’s so much happening.”
In other news, Michael K. Williams could be honored with a bill aimed at reducing mass incarceration in his native New York.
According to TMZ, New York State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn is working with the ACLU to pass a new law named after the late actor, which aims to lower the state’s prison population — with a focus on youth and Black and Latino inmates.
I dont give a shit about your problems rich boy
He’s so out of touch with real life it’s not even funny
Easy to say when you haven’t struggled financially in 20+ years
Its because the and the rich powerful think that they’re insulated from pain because of their status. Then when some pain inevitably comes their way they just can’t take it.
I mean look at things with some perspective y’all. Maybe famous people ain’t struggling in ways that the average jo is but think about basically being a zoo animal caged up for the world to see at all times. Something as simple as going on a date or running errands or having an outing with your kids is automatically threatened by paparazzi and unreasonable fans. Maybe your having an off day and you don’t look the best or feel the best or you do something completely normal for the situation but without context you are now on the front page deemed as crazy, or unstable, or fat or ugly. Can you imagine the constant judgement and scrutiny? How lonely and depressing it must be. Y’all see where I’m going with this? I don’t have time to sit here and really go any further on the topic but just take a step back and think for a moment.
Don’t we all deal with these issues!? Akon signed lady Gaga and t pain and we supposed to have sympathy for him? He makes songs with rats (Tekashi). No one said the rich and famous have perfect lives, but to say they have it harder is a straight lie
what about that billion dollar city he wants to build in africa. let us know about that.
I can get the famous part, but being rich doesn’t make life tougher
It’s hard to say what does and what doesn’t make life tougher, because we all are different..if you not rich you can’t say being rich doesn’t make life tougher because you don’t know..I don’t know because I’m not rich but there is a lot of examples to look at from those who are/were
Imagine a life where you have to be perfect all the time because if not social media will rip you to shreds. That’s the daily life of celebs like there not allowed to be human. Rip
The answer to 99 problems out of 100 is….money. So unfortunately only 1 problem it doesn’t help, drug addiction. So fuhk Akon and his opinion…it means nothing to the poor.
Beautifully said, you are super wise much more than wack ass akon. I know Akon does a lot of good things but this comment is a slap in the face as I wait for my paycheck so I can get gas to get to work and some other gas if u know what I mean not to mention rent and all my other expenses but life is so much easier for me cuz I’m poor if I had money it would be harder right stupid ass Akon?
Akon using another man’s death to make an attempt at victimizing the wealthy…lol. Nice try Akon. RIP Michael K Williams, you will not be forgotten.
C’mon son. You lost credibility after Locked Up 2 anyway
This is the type of interview where there’s probably a lot more to what he said than “rich folk have it harder than poor folk” – I don’t believe Akon said anything like that. As far as rich folk especially blacks in entertainment having problems many can’t see, I don’t think there’s many who can dispute that. Seems like Covid and fentanyl have exposed a lot of entertainers as being somewhat less healthy and principled than they portray on talk shows and magazines.
A truly sad opinion about a tragic loss. All I want to say until the official report.
Akon is fucking delusional. Holy shit thats the stupidest comment anyone has made since “slavery was a choice”
I strongly disagree with Akons opinion. There are definitely rich people who go through their own issues but it’s not even comparable to the poor. Generally rich people are more educated and have more resources to help their situation. Not saying all rich people have it good but dude don’t even compare it with the issues poor people go through.
you really believe Akon who has donated millions to charity thinks rich people have it harder than poor people? having money can’t get your sick mom well again
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“No one tells you what’s really going on in your life, so real friends can’t really even advise you because they don’t really know what’s happening.” That just means you weren’t his real friend… RIP
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It’s just young people under 25 and slackers who think money magically solves all problems. once you get a job and make some scratch you see it doesn’t take a whole lot to live like a decent person – you don’t need millions. you see that money solves your money issues but attracts people issues. people leave you alone when you’re broke
Sad Man!! Dude was battling some demons for a minute and this fool come out and say this!! Rich folks ain’t livin right!! Including this fool Akon!!
This tone deaf motherfucker lol THAT’S rich
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