Akon, T-Pain Concert Marred by Violence

Several fights during an Akon / T-Pain concert Monday night (October 26) in Melbourne, Australia, left 18 people injured, with eight transported to a nearby hospital.

The violence began when a group of approximately 50 people attempted to charge into Melbourne Park, where the concert was being held in the HiSense Arena. Security guards and concertgoers were among those injured in a string of clashes inside and outside the location.

"They were all men aged between 22 and 54," said Ambulance Victoria Spokesperson Paul Bentley of those injured. "They were all suffering cuts and bruising, some of them had to be given some pain relief."

In an attempt to calm everyone down Akon walked through the crowd with a microphone in hand. He was lifted onto the shoulders of fans where he made an announcement.

"Check this out, right! Give me two seconds," he said to the cheering crowd. "I don't know if ya'll know how hard it took me to get here. It took me almost two years for Australia to let me back in the country and I am not going to let them f--- up our concert tonight!"

Promoter Dwayne Cross told the Herald Sun newspaper that Akon, "cared about the people that were down there" and went into the crowd against his advice. He said that the artist wanted to create a distraction to bring an end to the fights.

One man was arrested and questioned by police in connection with the violence.

Akon is currently on tour in Australia. He will hit Sydney on October 27.