Date: March 12, 2026
Reporter: Mr Johnson
News Platform: Dalena Reporters
Somali-Canadian rapper K'naan has taken the witness stand in a sexual assault trial in Quebec, as court proceedings continue over allegations dating back to 2010.
The musician, whose real name is Keinan Abdi Warsame, is accused of sexually assaulting a woman following a concert performance in Quebec City in July 2010. The alleged incident took place at a hotel after the pair met during the city’s Festival d’été de Québec music festival.
Accuser Describes Events In Court
During testimony, the complainant told the court she had initially communicated with the artist online before agreeing to meet him while he was performing at the festival. She described the rapper as friendly and charming during their early interactions.
However, the woman alleged that events later took a disturbing turn when the two returned to the hotel room. She told the court that after initially attempting to stop sexual activity because she did not have protection, the rapper became angry.
According to her testimony, she later fell asleep and awoke during the night to find the artist allegedly having sex with her without her consent.
The complainant said she felt shocked and confused by what had happened and struggled to process the situation at the time.
Background Of The Case
The allegations stem from an incident that allegedly occurred between July 16 and 17, 2010, though the complaint was filed years later and charges were officially laid in 2024.
K’naan has pleaded not guilty to the charge and has denied the allegation. The case is being heard before a court in Quebec.
The rapper rose to international fame with the song “Wavin’ Flag,” which became the anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and one of the most recognizable global music hits of that year.
Trial Continues
The trial is expected to last several days, with further testimony and cross-examination scheduled as the court examines the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence.
Legal experts say the case will depend heavily on witness testimony and the credibility of the accounts presented in court.
For now, the proceedings continue as the court works to determine what happened during the alleged incident more than a decade ago.