T.I. is calling out TMZ for publishing a story that hurt his family.
Earlier today, the tabloid reported on the cause of death of the rapper’s sister, Precious Harris, who died after a serious car crash in February. The Medical Examiner’s official findings revealed what triggered her heart arrhythmia, which resulted in a car crash. The 66-year-old succumbed to her injuries and died a short time later.
After the story was published, T.I. lashed out at the media outlet and its founder Harvey Levin for their report. “As long as you’ve known me, Harvey, I’ve been respectful, I’ve been cordial, I’ve been polite, I’ve been kind, I’ve been fair,” he said during the Instagram Live session. “You just burned that bridge. I hope your story was worth it. Anybody who stood with me, anybody who stood with Precious, will not stand with you.”
He also called for a boycott of TMZ. “Stand up and fuck these people, man. I don’t give a fuck about your story,” he said. “Don’t say shit to me ever. Don’t at me for no quote, ni**a, no picture, ni**a, no goddamn interview. Don’t cut that TMZ shit on your TV. Don’t go online. If you follow them, unfollow then.”
Shortly after, TMZ retracted their story and issued a rare public apology, calling it “inappropriate and wrong.” “Earlier Thursday, we posted a story about T.I.’s sister, Precious Harris Chapman, and reported the Medical Examiner’s official findings on her cause of death … we were wrong to do it,” said the outlet. “T.I. and his family are hurt and furious, and they have a point.”
They went on to highlight Precious’ philanthropic and humanitarian work. As a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she mentored children and young women in need and was involved in several nonprofit organizations including Saving Our Daughters and Motherless Daughters and the Covenant House. She was also an active member of Salem Bible Church and started the Precious Academy to nurture and support children and their families.
Precious appeared on T.I. and Tiny’s VH1 reality show “The Family Hustle,” but was not a celebrity. After the story was publicized, Tip honored his sister on Instagram.
“Rest Well Lil Sis…WE GOT U!!!” he said. “Weapons may form… But They WILL NOT prosper. Not Today!!!! U were too good to too many for US to let any hurt harm or danger come to you or your legacy.”