In addition to his series legal issues stemming from his felony drug arrest in West Hollywood, Calif., last week, charismatic multitalented rapper T.I. has to worry about his eroding status as marketable endorser on Madison Avenue.
AXE body spray representatives told the media that they are in discussions to review their continued relationship with the superstar musician after the debacle in his Maybach on Sunset Boulevard.
A rep for AXE tells TMZ they’re “troubled by [T.I.’s] arrest” and that they are “reviewing our promotional activities” with the ATL-ien.
The rapper, born Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., has been featured in a number of major mainstream commercials in recent years, thanks to a string of platinum albums, successful acting endeavors, philanthropy and his undeniable worldwide appeal. He had signed a contract with AXE earlier this year after promising the company that he was “working to become a more positive role model,” the website reports.
At press time, T.I. was still on the product’s Web site as part of its “One Night Only” concert series, which took place last month at El Capitale in New York.
Should he get indicted on the drug charges in California, be found to be in violation of his probation, Madison Avenue is sure to shy away from Tip for the foreseeable future — which would be tragic for someone of such immense talents. –terry shropshire
