AKON has apologised for using a Buddha statue in the video for Sexy Chick after it sparked protests in Sri Lanka, but insists he was unaware the spiritual monument was featured in the promo.

Locals in the capital city of Colombo were outraged by the video, which features groups of scantily-clad women dancing at a pool party in front of the iconic statue.

Some fuming residents in the largely Buddhist country gathered outside the headquarters of the Maharaja Organisation, hurled rocks and stones at the building, injuring four employees ahead of an upcoming Akon gig in the country; being sponsored by a broadcaster.

Government officials subsequently banned Senegalese-American Akon from performing in the country on April 10, denying the R&B singer a visa - and promoters have confirmed the gig has been postponed.

Akon wrote in a statement, saying: “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 yesterday in Sri Lanka.”

Promoters for Akon’s axed April 10 show in the country are hopeful the gig can be rescheduled and the “situation resolved”.