King Harris, the son of T.I. and Tiny, recently celebrated a joyous milestone with his girlfriend, J’Nijah “Nana” Epps, as they hosted a baby shower in anticipation of their first child. However, what was meant to be a memorable event was met with an unexpected wave of online criticism. Zonnique Pullins, King’s older sister and daughter of T.I. and Tiny, didn’t stay silent and took to social media to defend her brother and his girlfriend against the negativity.
On Sunday, October 6th, King Harris and J’Nijah Epps held a baby shower to celebrate their soon-to-arrive son. The event, featuring a blue and gold theme, was shared widely on social media, allowing fans and followers a glimpse of the couple’s special day. However, while many congratulated the couple and expressed excitement for their growing family, a segment of online users chose to focus on their age and other superficial factors, launching negative comments about the pair.
As is often the case with celebrities and their families, the spotlight came with its share of criticism. Detractors took to social media to voice their opinions on everything from the couple’s appearance to assumptions about their relationship. One of the comments that gained traction read, “She looks 30, and he looks 13,” referencing their perceived age difference. Another user chimed in, saying, “If he wasn’t T.I.’s son, he woulda been left on read,” implying that Epps was only with King because of his father’s fame. Others went so far as to accuse Epps of seeing King as a “meal ticket,” with one commenter sarcastically writing, “She said ‘Just gimme my money’ in so many actions.”
These hurtful remarks didn’t sit well with King’s older sister, Zonnique Pullins, who quickly came to her brother’s defense. Pullins, who has experienced the ups and downs of public scrutiny herself, took to Instagram to address the trolls head-on. In her Instagram Story, she reposted an earlier comment she had presumably written in response to the critics, calling out their harsh words.
“Most of y’all parents had y’all at the same age as King and literally raised adults who enjoy writing negative s### about a person they know in no capacity on a blog,” Zonnique wrote. “Y’all be safe though.”
Zonnique’s response highlights the often overlooked reality of growing up in the public eye. King Harris, despite being the son of two music icons, is still a young person navigating life and parenthood like anyone else his age. The criticism he and his girlfriend received is unfortunately a common occurrence for those in the limelight, but it doesn’t make it any less hurtful. Zonnique’s pointed defense speaks to the fact that King’s situation is far from unique—many parents have children young, and that doesn’t warrant the kind of hate they were receiving.
This isn’t the first time Zonnique has spoken up for her family. She has a history of defending her loved ones against online trolls and media critics. Her own experiences as the daughter of famous parents have undoubtedly shaped her perspective and her readiness to clap back when she feels her family is being unfairly attacked.
Beyond Zonnique’s public defense, the incident opens up a larger conversation about the pressure and scrutiny placed on the children of celebrities. King Harris has been in the public eye from a young age, thanks to his parents’ fame and their family’s reality TV show, T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle. Growing up in the spotlight means every major life event, whether it’s a birthday, a graduation, or, in this case, a baby shower, is watched by the public with a critical eye.
The internet, unfortunately, gives people a platform to share opinions, whether they’re positive or negative. In King’s case, what should have been a joyful celebration with his girlfriend and their families was tainted by strangers making harsh judgments about their relationship, appearances, and motives. While some fans took the time to offer their congratulations and express excitement for the couple, the negative comments seemed to overshadow the love and support that many likely intended to show.
Despite the online backlash, it’s clear that King and J’Nijah are surrounded by love and support from those who truly matter—most notably, their family. Zonnique’s public defense shows that when it comes to her brother, she’s ready to protect him from unwarranted negativity, no matter where it comes from.
At the end of the day, King and J’Nijah’s journey into parenthood is a personal one, and while the internet may have its opinions, what truly matters is the support they receive from their loved ones. As the couple prepares to welcome their baby boy, it’s likely they’ll continue to focus on their family and their new role as parents rather than the outside noise.
Zonnique’s words serve as a reminder that everyone, especially young parents, deserves respect and kindness, regardless of their celebrity status. And while the internet can be a harsh place, family always comes first.
