Rapper T.I. Addresses the 2019 Controversy Over His Comments About Daughter’s Virginity: ‘That Sucked’ (Exclusive)

Rapper T.I. has candidly shared insights into his journey as a father and the lessons he has gleaned from his parenting experience in the latest edition of a prominent magazine. The 45-year-old artist, known for hits like “What You Know”, discussed his reflections on fatherhood and the challenges that have shaped his relationship with his seven children.

T.I. recently released his final album titled “Kill the King”, marking a significant milestone in his career. In an interview with PEOPLE, he revealed that his approach to parenting has evolved considerably over the years. “I’ve learned not to do as much talking as I do listening,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of understanding his three daughters — Zonnique, 30, Deyjah, 25, and Heiress, 10.

His relationship with his children has certainly faced scrutiny, particularly after a 2019 incident that sparked widespread outrage and was dubbed “hymen-gate.” In a podcast interview at the time, T.I. made controversial remarks about accompanying his then-teen daughter Deyjah to the gynecologist to confirm her virginity. The backlash was swift, with many accusing him of misogyny, leading to a public apology from the rapper.

Reflecting on the impact of that incident, T.I. acknowledged that it was a painful experience for his family. “That sucked,” he said, recalling how the aftermath unfolded while they were filming their reality show, “T.I. and Tiny: Friends and Family Hustle”. He explained that experiencing the situation in real-time while capturing it for television added layers of complexity to an already difficult chapter.

Despite the controversies, T.I. does not regret sharing his family life with the public. “Family Hustle was like our photo album,” he expressed, reminiscing about cherished memories captured on-screen, such as watching his son Major grow from a toddler to a young adult. “I can go back to see all of my kids’ lives and rekindle those memories,” he added, reinforcing the value of preserving family history.

The rapper also shared details of a recent legal victory alongside his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, against a toy company that had appropriated their daughter Zonnique’s likeness for a line of dolls. The successful lawsuit resulted in a multimillion-pound award, showcasing their commitment to protecting their family’s legacy.

When discussing his sons — Messiah, 26, Domani, 25, King, 21, and Major, 18 — T.I. emphasised the importance of faith in parenting. He reflected on the concerns that arise as his children become independent individuals, especially as they start navigating adulthood. “You have to have faith that you’ve raised a human being that can navigate themselves through the ups and downs of society,” he noted, illustrating the trust he places in the values he has instilled in them.

The dynamics within his family were recently highlighted when Domani and King engaged in a dispute with fellow rapper 50 Cent on social media. However, as T.I. prepares to step away from the music scene, he expressed a desire to distance himself from public feuds. “I don’t want to spend my time bickering back and forth with people for the public’s entertainment,” he said, showing a shift in priorities as he nears the end of his musical career.

Instead, T.I. envisions spending quality time with his family, as well as embarking on a joint tour with his sons entitled “King Succession”. He finds joy in simple pleasures, whether it’s laughing with friends, chasing after grandchildren, or enjoying relaxing moments with his wife. “Just being thankful that I made it this far in life,” he reflected, appreciating the lessons life has taught him and the time he has been given.

In conclusion, T.I.’s forthcoming retirement from music and his focus on family signal a new chapter in his life. His experiences, both challenging and joyful, contribute to the rich tapestry of his journey as a father and an artist. For more on T.I.’s reflections and family life, readers can find the full interview in this week’s publication, available from Friday.