T.I. has denied reports that stopping a man from committing suicide was part of a publicity stunt ahead of a court appearance.

The rapper drove to the 22-storey building in Atlanta earlier this week after hearing about the drama on the radio.

He recorded a video of himself on a mobile phone which was then shown to the man, who agreed to come down.

But his actions have led to claims that his rescue was orchestrated ahead of his scheduled appearance in court today (October 15).

“This is not something I could have planned,” T.I. told CNN.

"I didn't know this guy, I didn't wake up in the morning to say, 'Hey, let me find a way to go and save someone's life so I can be looked at favourably come Friday'.

"My situation never even became a thought in my mind in the process of dealing with this - it was just something that touched my heart."

T.I. is due in court for a parole hearing following his arrest in September on suspicion of ecstasy possession.

(by Jason Gregory)