Halle Bailey, acclaimed singer, actress, and star of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, has been granted a temporary restraining order against her former partner, rapper and social media personality DDG (Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr.), following a series of disturbing allegations. The legal action, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on May 13, 2025, comes just seven months after the couple publicly announced their split and centers on claims of physical, emotional, verbal, and financial abuse during and after their relationship.
Allegations of Abuse and Escalating Conflict
According to court documents obtained by USA TODAY, Bailey, 25, described a relationship marked by escalating violence and harassment. She alleges that DDG’s aggressive behavior was a key factor in their breakup, citing his “temper and lack of respect” as central issues. In her filing, Bailey details multiple incidents of alleged abuse, including physical altercations, verbal threats, and online harassment. She asserts that DDG has repeatedly “badmouthed” her as a parent to his millions of social media followers, leading to a wave of online threats and hate directed at her.
“I realize that there is no placating Darryl,” Bailey wrote in her statement to the court. “I cannot allow this abuse any longer. I cannot keep living like this. I never know when he is going to demand our son be in his mother’s care and whether I will be subjected to his threats and abuse.”
Specific Incidents Cited in Court Documents
One of the most serious incidents detailed in Bailey’s restraining order request occurred in January 2025. Bailey claims that during a dispute at her Los Angeles home over the return of their one-year-old son, Halo, DDG became agitated and physically violent. As Bailey was placing their child in DDG’s car seat, she alleges that DDG pulled her hair and slammed her face into the steering wheel, resulting in multiple bruises and a chipped tooth. Bailey included close-up photographs of her injuries in her court filing.
In another incident in March, Bailey says DDG arrived at her home unannounced to see Halo, despite being told that both she and the baby were ill with RSV. When she refused to let the baby leave, DDG allegedly became verbally abusive and smashed her home security camera after realizing it was recording their argument. Bailey also claims that DDG took her phone and threw it out of his car window during the altercation. She states that she filed a police report following this episode.
Bailey further alleges that DDG entered her home when she was not present, took photographs of her empty bed, and sent her a message implying she was being unfaithful. She interpreted this as an attempt to intimidate and control her.
Social Media Harassment and Public Scrutiny
Bailey’s filing also highlights the impact of DDG’s online presence on her safety and well-being. She claims that DDG has used his platforms, where he has millions of followers, to “weaponize” public opinion against her, criticizing her parenting and accusing her of keeping him from their son. Bailey says this behavior has fueled online harassment and led to the circulation of the hashtag #freehalo, which she describes as deeply distressing and frightening.
“He seems to try to set up drama for his fans. He goes ‘live’ ranting about me and alleges that I am keeping Halo from him. This is not child-centered. I have asked him to stop this behavior. He continues. He gets paid for hits and this creates hits for him,” Bailey stated in her filing.
Legal Actions and Custody Requests
As a result of these alleged incidents, Bailey is seeking comprehensive legal protection. The temporary restraining order requires DDG to remain at least 100 yards away from both Bailey and their son, Halo, and prohibits him from posting about them on social media. Bailey is also requesting full legal and physical custody of Halo and has asked the court for permission to travel with her son to Italy in June, where she is scheduled to film a movie.
A court hearing to determine whether the restraining order will be extended is set for June 4, 2025. Representatives for both Bailey and DDG have not yet commented publicly on the matter.
Public and Industry Reactions
The case has drawn significant attention on social media and within the entertainment industry, with many fans expressing support for Bailey and concern for her safety. The developments have also prompted renewed discussions about the challenges faced by public figures in managing private conflicts under intense public scrutiny.
Background: A High-Profile Relationship
Bailey and DDG’s relationship began in early 2022, with the couple going public that March. Their romance was initially celebrated online, with DDG sharing a birthday tribute to Bailey and the two frequently appearing together on social media. However, Bailey later revealed that they met through direct messages on social platforms, and by October 2024, the pair had announced their split, describing it as a mutual decision reached after “reflection and heartfelt conversations”.
Now, as Bailey navigates this deeply personal and public legal battle, she is seeking to redefine her narrative not just as a rising Hollywood star, but as a mother determined to protect her child and herself from harm.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or thehotline.org.