AKON: 'T.I. WAS SET UP'
10/24/2007R&B Star AKON has spoken out in support of jailed rapper T.I., insisting the star was "set up" over a weapons deal. Twenty-seven-year-old T.I., real name Clifford Harris Jr. - is currently in custody after allegedly sending his bodyguard to buy three machine guns and two silencers from an undercover police officer who was posing as an arms dealer.
But the Lonely star believes Harris was the victim of an unfortunate situation, but adds the rapper should not rely on carrying a gun to protect himself when he could afford 'legitimate law enforcement'.
He tells MTV news, "It's obvious he was set up. But sometimes when you're in a position of that stature and you're that big ... you just don't allow that energy around you. "You have to have people around you to let you know or avoid that energy. Even if he was a (gun) collector, naturally, you get a license to collect.
That's just common sense. ... At that stage where he's at, he don't need to protect himself. You hire legitimate law enforcement, or you hire people who are licensed to carry (guns). Surround them around you and you'll be safe."
