Akon’s wife Amirah Iman-Thiam sues Publix

Amirah Iman-Thiam, one of the wives of music artist Akon, has filed a lawsuit against Publix Super Market, alleging she was sexually assaulted by an employee at a store in Roswell, Georgia, in 2022.

According to court documents, the incident occurred while she was shopping, when a store clerk, identified as Jonathan Ross, allegedly followed her through the aisles and groped her from behind at checkout. Body camera footage from the aftermath reportedly shows Amirah in visible distress. Ross was arrested at the scene and later pleaded guilty to sexual battery, according to official records.

Amirah claims the incident caused lasting emotional trauma, forcing her to cancel a planned 12-city European tour and several collaborations with Grammy-winning producers. She estimates her financial losses at nearly $300,000 and now travels only with private security. She also reports relying on therapy and spiritual healing practices in Senegal to cope with the aftermath.

While Publix has denied liability, stating that Ross acted independently, Amirah’s legal team argues the company failed in its duty to protect customers. Attorneys claim the supermarket chain has a broader issue, citing 19 prior complaints involving male employees at different locations. They accuse Publix of fostering an unsafe environment and prioritizing profits over customer well-being.

“This isn’t about one man. It’s a dangerous pattern,” said Amirah’s attorney. Records cited in the lawsuit reportedly show Publix has quietly allocated $4.2 million to settle similar incidents since Ross's conviction.

As the case heads to court in 2025, Amirah says her goal is to hold corporations accountable and advocate for safer public spaces for women, emphasizing that her legal action is not just personal but part of a larger fight against systemic negligence.