Embattled rap star T.I. has finally made a statement - albeit from his Atlanta home -- where he's currently confined and awaiting trial on federal weapons charges. In what looks like the most unlikely episode of "Cribs" ever taped, T.I. is pictured in a yellow bathrobe and black hat in what appears to be a main room in his colorfully decorated home.
His statement, available via streetcred.com, shows the rapper, born Clifford Harris, Jr. in good spirits. He's sitting on a couch and speaking directly to the camera. He thanks fans for their support, proclaiming his innocence, saying "I expect to be exonerated on all charges." The charges involve what is known as a "straw" purchase of machine guns and silencers through a bodyguard. As a convicted felon, T.I. is neither allowed to own weapons, nor can he have anyone purchase them on his behalf.
Under the terms of his release on $3 millon bond, he is to remain in his home, is allowed no more than three visitors at a time that have to be screened and is permitted to live in his home only with his girlfriend and children. T.I. recently asked for the terms of his release to be altered to host a Thanksgiving Day dinner at his home, but when prosecutors objected, the request was withdrawn.
In the statement, T.I. also thanks his lawyers and the judge for allowing him to remain at home instead as he put it, "at the clear alternative."
Click here to view the entire statement.