Fire Investigators Waiting For 50 Cent to Talk

August 20, 2008— -- The investigation into the "highly suspicious" fire that gutted the Long Island home owned by 50 Cent – but occupied by his ex-girlfriend and their son – is lingering because the rapper has not been interviewed by investigators, sources tell ABC News.

A fire official said investigators have not been able to conclude the investigation partly because the hip-hop star, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, has not met with the arson squad. The official said attempts have been made through Jackson's attorneys to meet with him, but that he has not scheduled an interview.

"We interview every owner of every structure that goes on fire," said the official. "It's standard procedure."

Another source with information about the investigation said he was told Jackson's unavailability is holding up the case, although the source did not know why Jackson has been unavailable. There is no deadline requiring Jackson to meet with investigators.

Jackson's attorney, Brett Kimmel, would not comment on the fire investigation. When asked if ABC News could speak to any of Jackson's other representatives about this, Kimmel said, "No one will be speaking about that."

Fire officials still expect to speak with Jackson.

At the time of the fire, Jackson was in Louisiana filming a movie. His publicist released a statement saying he "expressed deep concern over this fire at his property. He is extremely thankful that everyone including his son, Marquise, escaped the burning house safely. He is confident that authorities will be conducting a thorough investigation of the incident and is eager to review their findings."

But while investigators wait to speak to him so that they can work towards concluding the case, Jackson has been making the New York social rounds. ABC News found sightings of "Fiddy" in New York City in recent months including July 14, when he attended the celeb-studded Vitaminwater Celebrates in Style event in midtown; July 1, when he was in concert at the Nokia Theatre; June 30, when he appeared on MTV's TRL show in Times Square; and June 7, when he performed at a pre-Puerto Rican Day Parade celebration.