Rapper T.I. says he's 'not worried' about latest charges

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - Rapper T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, isn't worried about the three misdemeanor charges filed against him last week.

The charges --simple assault, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct -- come following an altercation outside his Atlanta-area gated community on May 16.

Henry County Deputy Police Chief Mike Ireland said at the time that T.I. had lost his key and the guard wouldn't let him in the neighborhood. The guard told police he did not recognize T.I.

According to the police report, the rapper was eventually allowed inside but walked back to the guard, demanding his name. Police were called and T.I. was arrested but later released on bond.

"I had every right to be upset." T.I. told FOX 5 NY morning program, 'Good Day New York.'  "I responded the way anyone would respond who dedicates the kind of resources I do for my family's safety around-the-clock. If you're asleep on your post and I pay you I have a right to be upset."

The county solicitor general's office filed the accusation Friday.

"For the police to come there and attempt to discipline me or even ask what is going on in the situation I think it's negligent and counter-productive," said T.I. 

Attorney Steve Sadow said the accusations were "baseless, ill-founded and unjustified." The security guard no longer works at the private property.

"That is preposterous. Let me start going grey. Really man?  I think it will be resolved and I think the County has much more to do than charge me with misdemeanors for getting into my own gated subdivision with a guard that was asleep on his post," said T.I.

When they arrived cops said they could smell alcohol on the rapper's breath.

"(It's) The story of a black man in America. Every step of the way there is always some form of authority that some other person who is supposed to be equal to you holds over your head. I'm not worried. I've seen worse," said T.I.