Rapper T.I. will not be returning for the third installment of Marvel’s “Ant-Man” franchise, PvNewhas /confirm/ied.
The performer, whose off-stage name is Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., previously played a supporting role in a comedic crew of men assisting Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang, the titular hero of the past two films.
Insiders close to the Disney project said T.I. was never slated to return, despite the implication that recent and grave allegations against him had to do with the decision.
T.I. and his wife, Tiny Harris, are currently facing allegations of sexual abuse and drugging by multiple women. Representatives for T.I. did not immediately respond to PvNew‘s request for comment.
In a press conference on Monday, attorney Tyrone A. Blackburn detailed the allegations brought by six anonymous women claiming that T.I. and Tiny had abused them, with some describing instances of drugging, kidnapping and rape. Blackburn has sent letters to the attorney generals of California and Georgia, where the events occurred, asking them to investigate the claims.
T.I. and Tiny denied the allegations in a statement through their lawyer, Steve Sadow.
“Clifford (T.I.) and Tameka Harris deny in the strongest possible terms these unsubstantiated and baseless allegations. We are confident that if these claims are thoroughly and fairly investigated, no charges will be forthcoming,” Sadow said. “These allegations are nothing more than the continuation of a sordid shakedown campaign that began on social media. The Harrises implore everyone not to be to be taken in by these obvious attempts to manipulate the press and misuse the justice system.”
“Ant-Man 3” is still in development and does not yet have a release date.
Matt Donnelly contributed to this report.
