Note: This article contains descriptions of suspected sexual abuse and assault.
A New York-based attorney is investigating TI and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, who are suspected of sexual abuse and assault, the New York Times reports. Attorney Tyrone A. Blackburn represents eleven people who have claimed to have been “victimized” by the Harrises or members of their entourage, according to The Times. Blackburn has reportedly sent letters to the US Attorneys’ offices for the Northern District of Georgia and Central District of California, the Los Angeles District Attorney, and the California and Georgia Attorneys General pending a criminal investigation.
The Times spoke to five people who claim they have been drugged, raped or sexually assaulted by the Harrises or their staff. Reporters for The Times also spoke to friends and family, reviewing photos and messages that supported the timing of the events referred to in the allegations.
Steve Sadow, an attorney who represents TI and Tiny, told The Times that the Harrises “vehemently deny these baseless and unjustified allegations.”
“We are confident that if these allegations are thoroughly and fairly investigated, charges will not be brought. These allegations are nothing more than the continuation of a dirty shakedown campaign that began on social media. The Harrises beg everyone not to be caught in these overt attempts to manipulate the press and abuse the judicial system. “
In January, a woman named Sabrina Peterson showed up for sexually abusing TI and Tiny. Peterson also alleged that TI held a gun to his head once in 2009 and threatened to kill her. After Peterson’s allegations, VH1 stopped producing the Harrises reality show TI & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle.
The Harrises denied Peterson’s allegations and threatened legal action against her. According to The Times, Blackburn’s letters do not mention women whose stories Peterson shared on social media. A press release sent on behalf of Blackburn said that a defamation lawsuit against TI and Tiny will be filed on Peterson’s behalf tomorrow (Monday March 1st).
If you or someone you know has been subjected to sexual assault or domestic violence, we encourage you to seek support:
RAINN National Hotline for Sexual Assault
http://www.rainn.org
1 800 656 HOPE (4673)
Line of crisis text
http://www.facebook.com/crisistextline (chat support)
SMS: Text “HERE” to 741-741
The national hotline for domestic violence
http://thehotline.org
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
