American hip-hop singer and rapper Akon pleaded not guilty in an upstate New York court to minor criminal charges after being accused of tossing a teenage fan off the stage earlier this year, media reported Tuesday.

The American Music Awards winner, whose real name is Aliaune Thiam, faces misdemeanor charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and harassment.

The incident occurred at the singer's June concert in Fishkill, about 80 miles (about 127 kms) north of New York City.

An audience member threw an object at him, who then pulled a 15-year-old boy from the crowd and tossed him into the audience, hitting a woman, according to media reports.

The woman at the concert said she suffered a concussion when she was struck by the teenage fan.

Akon's attorney, Benjamin Brafman, said in a written statement: "It was never Akon's intention to violate the law. This unfortunate incident was a spontaneous reaction during a live concert that Akon deeply regrets."

Akon's next court date is in January and he was told he can be represented by his lawyer.

If convicted, the 34-year-old Senegalese-born singer faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison.

Youtube video of how Akon assaults the fan on stage.

(Xinhua via Agencies December 4, 2007)