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T.I. Hauled Into Court, Cancels Japan Tour

Atlanta rapper T.I. has decided to pull the plug on a 10-day tour through Japan to promote his new album, King. The cancellation came on the heels of an accusation that the singer failed to perform community service as required by a 2003 arrest in Florida for trespassing, disorderly conduct, and battery of a law enforcement officer. T.I.’s attorneys explained that Georgia officials had thought T.I. had served his 75 hours, perhaps failing to note a later addition of 150 hours after T.I. admitted to driving on a suspended license.

T.I. had reportedly been considering taking some time off even before the recent allegations surfaced, as he was still reeling from the death of his personal assistant and close friend, Philant Johnson, earlier this month during an altercation on a Cincinnati highway. Just days before the arrest -- which briefly landed him in an Atlanta jail -- he had spoken at Johnson’s funeral.

“I think everybody decided it’s just a good time for him to take this week and regroup,” said Jonathan Leonard, a member of T.I.’s legal team.

T.I. is due in court in Tampa, Florida today (May 15) to address the charges. He is currently set to pick up with his tour on May 24 at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California.

--The ARTISTdirect Staff
05.15.06