Los Angeles — In a high-stakes court filing that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and social-media spheres, actress and singer Halle Bailey has petitioned for sole custody of her 16-month-old son, Halo, amid allegations of domestic abuse and fears that her rapper ex-partner, Darryl “DDG” Granberry Jr., may attempt to abduct their child.
Background of the Relationship and Split
Halle Bailey, 25, best known for her starring role in Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, and Darryl Granberry Jr., 27, a rapper and YouTube personality known professionally as DDG, began dating in 2022. The couple welcomed their son, Halo, in January 2024. While initially presenting an image of young parenthood in the public eye, their relationship reportedly deteriorated late last year amid conflicting work schedules, creative differences and disputes over parenting arrangements.
Filing for Sole Custody and Restraining Order
On Tuesday, Bailey filed legal documents in Los Angeles County Superior Court seeking a domestic violence restraining order and exclusive legal and physical custody of Halo. The petition alleges that DDG engaged in multiple instances of domestic violence, including hair-pulling, slamming Bailey’s face against a car steering wheel—chipping her tooth—and creating a climate of fear through online harassment campaigns. In her sworn declaration, Bailey states: “He threatened to take our son without my permission and has tried to do so. I am terrified for Halo’s safety.”
Allegations of Kidnapping Risk
Central to Bailey’s petition is her concern that DDG may abduct Halo. According to court filings obtained by The U.S. Sun, she recounts an incident in March when, during her filming obligations in New Jersey, she arranged for her son’s grandmother to facilitate a supervised visit. Bailey alleges she learned that DDG had purchased a one-way ticket for his mother to fly to New Jersey—ostensibly to collect Halo—but had refused to purchase a return ticket, effectively attempting to keep the child away from his mother. “I had to involve lawyers to draft an agreement ensuring Halo’s return,” Bailey writes. She adds that the stress of negotiating with her ex-partner—and of fearing her son’s abduction—“disrupted my work and caused tremendous anxiety.”
Domestic Abuse and Physical Harm
Beyond the kidnapping fears, Bailey accuses DDG of physical abuse. In January, during a disputed exchange over visitation scheduling, Bailey alleges that the rapper became violent after refusing to specify when he would return their son. “We fought in the car; he was pulling my hair and then slammed my face on the steering wheel,” she asserts. Photographs attached to the filing show bruises on her arms and a chipped front tooth. Bailey says she ceased fighting back out of concern for her and her son’s safety.
Online Harassment Campaign
Bailey also describes a concerted online campaign orchestrated by DDG that she says endangers her life and her child’s. According to the petition, the rapper—who boasts millions of followers across YouTube and Twitch—regularly berates Bailey in live streams, whipping fans into a frenzy with the hashtag #FreeHalo. “He refuses to coordinate visits and instead goes live to blast me to his audience,” she states. Bailey asks the court to prohibit DDG from posting any content about her or their son on social-media platforms, citing threats from outraged fans as a direct result of his videos. “I live in constant fear for Halo’s safety,” she writes.
Temporary Court Orders Granted
In response to Bailey’s request, Judge Marisol Varela issued a temporary order granting Bailey sole legal and physical custody of Halo until a further hearing on June 4. The court also issued a stay-away order prohibiting DDG from contacting Bailey directly or through third parties, including online. All visitation between DDG and Halo has been suspended pending the next hearing, where the judge will consider evidence from both sides.
DDG’s Response and Legal Representation
DDG’s legal team has declined to comment on ongoing litigation, citing court confidentiality rules. However, sources close to the rapper indicate he plans to contest the allegations vigorously, asserting that Bailey’s portrayal exaggerates his conduct and that he has been a devoted father. A spokesperson for DDG’s attorneys said, “Mr. Granberry looks forward to presenting his evidence and demonstrating his commitment to Halo’s well-being.”
Industry and Public Reaction
News of Bailey’s court filings swiftly dominated entertainment headlines and social media feeds. Fans of both stars have expressed polarized views—some rallying behind Bailey’s bid for protection and custody, others defending DDG’s parental rights. Celebrity peers have offered support privately; Unicef advocates and women’s-rights organizations have publicly stressed the importance of protecting children in custody disputes, applauding the court’s prompt action to safeguard Halo.
Legal Experts Weigh In on Kidnapping Concerns
Family-law specialists note that allegations of potential child abduction are taken extremely seriously by California courts. Attorney Marlene Chen, a Los Angeles-based family-law practitioner, explains: “When a parent alleges that the other might abduct a child, the court typically imposes strict custody and visitation restrictions, as we’ve seen here. The burden then shifts to the accused parent to demonstrate that such fears are unfounded.” Chen adds that supervised visitation or neutral exchange locations are common interim measures when kidnapping risks are alleged.
Custody Disputes Involving Public Figures
Bailey and DDG’s high-profile status adds complexity to what is increasingly a public custody battle. “Celebrities face unique pressures,” says Professor Elena Ramirez, who researches media influence on family courts. “Social-media campaigns, paparazzi scrutiny and the viral spread of court documents can sway public opinion—and potentially impact negotiation dynamics outside the courtroom.” Ramirez warns that public commentary by either party or their supporters could risk contempt charges if it violates gag orders or existing restraining orders.
Next Court Hearing and Potential Outcomes
The next court date—set for June 4—will be pivotal. Both parties will have the opportunity to present live testimony, independent evidence of abuse or lack thereof, and expert reports on Halo’s best interests. Judge Varela may consider appointing a child-custody evaluator or guardian ad litem to assess the child’s needs and parental capabilities. Possible outcomes range from a return to shared custody under strict safeguarding conditions to a longer-term sole-custody arrangement favoring Bailey’s petition.
Implications for Celebrity Families and Child Protection
This case underscores broader issues faced by celebrity parents: navigating custody disputes under intense media scrutiny, safeguarding children’s welfare amid online fandoms, and balancing work commitments with parental responsibilities. Advocacy groups have called for clearer guidelines on social-media conduct during custody disputes and improved access to confidential courts for families fearing public exposure.
Conclusion
As Halle Bailey and DDG prepare for their June court appearance, the stakes could not be higher. For Bailey, securing a safe and stable environment for her son has been the driving force behind her petition. For DDG, the outcome will shape his role as a father and his public image. Amid allegations of violence, online harassment and kidnapping risk, the Los Angeles County Superior Court will grapple with both legal complexities and the emotional terrain of two young parents seeking to define their child’s future. Whatever the interim and final rulings, this high-profile custody battle will leave a lasting imprint on how celebrity families negotiate privacy, protection and parental rights in the digital age.
