DINH DOONG

Rapper T.I. Faces Criticism Over Treatment of His Daughter Deja Harris.

T.I., the well-known rapper, has recently found himself under scrutiny for his past actions involving his eldest daughter, Deja Harris, now 23 years old. Deja, who was born on June 17, 2001, to T.I. and R&B singer Ms. Niko, is known for her social media presence, where she goes by “Princess of the South” on Instagram, boasting 1.5 million followers.

Deja is also an ambassador for the fashion brand Fashion Nova, a label favored by celebrities like the Kardashians.

Deja seems to have a close relationship with her siblings, including Zonnique Pullins, her step-sibling, and her half-siblings Messiah, Domani, King, Major, and Heiress Harris. She has appeared on T.I.’s reality show, *T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle*, which follows the lives of their blended family.

However, tensions arose in a recent episode when Deja was asked to address the controversy surrounding her father’s comments about her gynecological visits.

In 2019, T.I. sparked outrage after revealing during an interview on the *Ladies Like Us* podcast that he accompanied Deja to her annual gynecologist appointments to ensure her hymen was intact.

This admission, which many saw as invasive and inappropriate, led to widespread criticism from fans and the public alike. In response to the backlash, T.I. issued a public apology during an appearance on Jada Pinkett Smith’s *Red Table Talk* in November 2019.

He expressed regret, stating that he understood Deja’s discomfort and apologized for making the matter public.

Despite the apology, Deja’s relationship with her father has since changed. Although she remained mostly silent on the issue, she has subtly addressed the strain caused by the incident, even unfollowing T.I. and his wife, Tiny Harris, on social media during the height of the controversy.

Deja later opened up about how her father’s actions affected her during an episode of *T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle*. She revealed that the relationship had been permanently altered, a sentiment echoed by Tiny, who acknowledged that T.I. sometimes takes things too far.

T.I. has since explained that his intention in discussing the matter publicly was to address his daughter’s response. He reiterated that he stopped accompanying Deja to her gynecologist appointments when she was 15 or 16 years old.

In a 2015 interview with *XXL*, T.I. shared his thoughts on fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of treating all his children with fairness and honesty. He also admitted that parenting is a continuous learning experience, one that requires constant effort and dedication.

While T.I.’s remarks ignited debate across social media, Deja herself has largely refrained from speaking publicly about the situation.

However, in September 2023, Deja hinted at her feelings by posting on Instagram, stating, “Having a parent who is always right is exhausting,” a comment many interpreted as a reference to her father.

Fans were quick to link her post to the ongoing tension with T.I., who had previously faced backlash for his overprotective approach to her dating life.

Though T.I. expressed regret for his comments, fans remain curious about Deja’s perspective. In a recent interview, Deja shared some of her father’s advice on dating, which he had given her when she was younger.

Despite the past controversies, Deja acknowledged that some of the lessons from her father still resonate with her today. She continues to reflect on his advice, even noting how it has shaped her perspective on relationships and self-respect.

Ultimately, while T.I.’s parenting methods have drawn criticism, he has expressed a desire to learn from his mistakes and continue growing as a father. His family, particularly Deja, remains at the heart of his public life, as seen in his reality shows that have documented the ups and downs of their blended family dynamic.

As the father of seven children, T.I. continues to navigate the challenges of parenthood under the public eye, striving to balance his personal and professional life.