T.I. is coming to Michael Jackson’s defense in the wake of Leaving Neverland.
In the controversial HBO documentary, which aired on Sunday and Monday, Wade Robson and James Safechuck allege that the late King of Pop sexually abused them when they were children.
Taking to social media, T.I. blasted Jackson’s accusers for wanting to “destroy another strong black historical legend.”
“Let this man speak for himself to defend his legacy,” he wrote alongside audio from an interview Piers Morgan conducted with Jackson in 1999. “Don’t just listen to one side and expect to find truth. Oh that’s right…Dead men can’t speak. So what was the point again? Destroy another strong black historical LEGEND?!?!”
He continued, calling the film an attack on black culture. “It’s several examples of pedophilia in American History… if y’all pulling up all our old shit… we gotta examine ELVIS PRESLEY, HUGH HEPHNER,and a whole slew of others guilty of the same if not more!!! BUT WHY US all the time? There’s an agenda to destroy OUR CULTURE.”
The rapper also shared a tweet from someone defending Jackson and his relationship with young children. “These are assaults against OUR CULTURE!!! Make no mistake of it!!!” added Tip in his caption.
T.I. has come to the defense of other embattled entertainers in the past including Chris Brown, Nelly, and 21 Savage.
The Michael Jackson estate filed a $100 million lawsuit against HBO following the announcement of Leaving Neverland. Jackson’s estate has denied the allegations and slammed the project, calling it a “one-sided marathon of unvetted propaganda to shamelessly exploit an innocent man,” while the singer’s family has also dismissed the film.
“They weren’t interested in gathering any evidence that wouldn’t corroborate what they’re saying,” Jackson’s brother Marlon told USA Today. “That wasn’t the plan. It was a one-sided documentary.”
Jackson’s daughter Paris also responded to fans of her father who were worried about his legacy. “The bigger picture is your father’s legacy ruined and his name smeared forever but whatever though,” tweeted one fan to which Paris responded: “So….. not love and peace and trying to carry that message out? tabloids and lies are the bigger picture? i’ll pray for you.”