US R&B singer Akon, who was rejected a visa by Sri Lanka to perform in the island over one of his videos, in a statement said he was not aware that a Buddha statue was even on the set of a popular music video which featured him and was disheartened to hear what had transpired in Sri Lanka over the video.Entertainment Weekly quoted the popular singer as saying that he could understand why some people were offended by the video, but added that violence is never the answer and he is disheartened to hear about a group stoning the MBC media office in Colombo to vent their anger over the video.

“I was not aware that the statue was even on the set of the video until now. I would never set out to offend or desecrate anyone’s religion or religious beliefs.  I myself am a spiritual man, so I can understand why they are offended, but violence is never the answer and I am disheartened to hear about what happened in Sri Lanka,” Akon said in his statement.

Meanwhile Entertainment Weekly also quoted American Talent Agency, the booking company responsible for the concert as saying that due to the recent events that transpired in Sri Lanka, they had decided to “postpone” Akon’s upcoming show. 

“We are working diligently with the local promoters to ensure the safety of both our talent and the fans before committing to a new date. Akon is looking forward to performing for the people of Sri Lanka and we hope to have this situation resolved in the coming weeks,” the agency said.