Rapper K’naan Charged with Sexual Assault in Quebec City

Canadian rapper K'naan, renowned for his international hit “Wavin’ Flag,” faces serious legal charges, as he has been accused of a sexual assault that allegedly occurred over 14 years ago in Quebec City. The charge sheet, filed in Quebec City, details that K’naan, whose birth name is Keinan Abdi Warsame, is accused of committing the assault in July 2010.

The dates of the alleged incident, July 16 and 17, 2010, align with K’naan’s performance at the Festival d’été de Québec, a major cultural event held annually in the city. While the legal proceedings were initiated in court on Thursday, September 26, 2024, the accused did not make a personal appearance.

The identity of the alleged victim, who was 29 years old at the time of the incident, has been kept confidential to protect their privacy. Meanwhile, K’naan currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, although he grew up in Toronto after immigrating from Somalia.

Interestingly, the allegations come at a time when K’naan’s artistic achievements were recently recognized. He received the Cultural Impact Award at Canada’s SOCAN Awards due to the worldwide popularity of his song “Wavin’ Flag.” Additionally, he garnered his first Grammy Award earlier this year for the song “Refugee,” which he co-wrote with Steve McEwan and Gerald Eaton.

Efforts by news outlets, including CTV News, to reach K’naan for comments regarding the charges have been unsuccessful. The court has scheduled a preliminary inquiry for the case on April 23, 2025, which will potentially offer more insights into the allegations and the ensuing legal process.