T.I. Says He Apologized to Daughter for Virginity Check Talk, Didn't Understand 'Sensitivity'
By Gary Trock on November 25, 2019 at 7:35 AM EST
Red Table Talk / Michael Becker
T.I. has taken a ton of backlash over the past couple of weeks after announcing to the world that his daughter received annual virginity checks, but now he's setting the record straight by sitting down with Jada Pinkett Smith and Gammy at the infamous Red Table.
Both T.I. and his wife Tiny appeared on Facebook's "Red Table Talk" to discuss the controversial remarks about the rapper's 18-year-old daughter, Deyjah Harris. As soon as T.I. arrived at the Smith's house, he was greeted by Will Smith who joked around and made it clear he loves T.I. but is going to stay far, far away from the table during their talk.
As soon as everyone was assembled, Jada wasted no time in asking Tip, "What the hell is going on?"
"I came here for the tough stuff," he responded, adding that they should just get into "Hymen Gate."
"I came to clear up any misconceptions that have been surrounding how we interact and parent and what is appropriate and inappropriate. This all surrounds a conversation I had in a very joking manner when asked how do I deal with parenting in this day and age."
The trouble for T.I. started after appearing on the "Ladies Like Us" Podcast and detailing how he makes sure his daughter is not sexually active. "We have yearly trips to the gynecologist to check her hymen," T.I. told the two female hosts. "Yes, I go with her," he said when the hosts questioned if he was serious.
Reflecting on his comments, T.I. explained:
"I just began, from a place of truth, began to embellish and exaggerate ... a lot of people took it extremely literal. because if you put any of my reputation about who I am as a father and who I've been, I thought that people knew me better than that.
Jada points out that not everyone knows who T.I. is, and asked if he understood the sensitivity behind his comments and the female body.
"No! No, I did not," T.I. admitted, adding that "I understand it now, however, my intentions have been terribly misconstrued and misconceived."
T.I. says he never claimed to have been in the exam room, and that he also didn't say the virginity checks were being done present day. He explained they went down when Deyjah was 15 and 16 at the time, and that once she became an adult he "lost control."
The rapper also pointed out that her mother was present at every exam, and there was never an objection. Tip said he legitimately thought he was being a responsible parent and didn't understand the greater meaning.
In the aftermath of the situation. T.I. says he has made amends with Deyjah, and only appeared on "Red Table Talk" because she told him to clear it up and put an end to the drama.
"I am incredibly apologetic to her, for you sweet baby Deyjhah, not any of these other weirdos. She understands my intentions and knows who I am, knows who I've always been."
He says, "I was oblivious to it, however I am now sensitive to it."
The conversation then turned into T.I. asking how involved a father is able to be in a daughter's life without it being inappropriate.
Jada said it all in one sentiment -- "Nobody has a problem about you protecting your daughter -- it's the hymen part.
The conversation was great between the stars and T.I. definitely learned some lessons from Jada, Gammy and even his wife.
Deyjah has not made any public comments about the incident, but from what T.I. said, it sounds like she's ready to move on with her life.
