In the world of celebrity, few issues hit closer to home—or spark more public intrigue—than custody battles. Such is the case with actress and singer Halle Bailey and rapper-influencer DDG, who are now deeply embroiled in a high-stakes legal dispute over their 18-month-old son, Halo. What began as a seemingly private split has spiraled into a public and emotional legal showdown involving restraining orders, allegations of abuse, and urgent court filings—culminating in what may be one of the most closely-watched family court cases in recent memory.
Halle Bailey, 25, known widely for her breakthrough role as Ariel in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid, began dating DDG (real name Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr.), 27, in December 2021. Their relationship was celebrated in pop culture circles, especially as Bailey’s star continued to rise. When the couple welcomed their son Halo in December 2023, many believed it was the start of a new and promising chapter in their lives. But less than a year later, the public narrative took a drastic turn.
By October 2024, the couple announced their separation. At the time, the split was presented as amicable, with both Bailey and DDG expressing a desire to co-parent respectfully and lovingly. However, behind the scenes, tensions were escalating rapidly—setting the stage for a legal battle now playing out under the glare of media scrutiny.
In May 2025, Bailey filed a restraining order against DDG, alleging a pattern of abuse that she claims left her physically, emotionally, verbally, and financially harmed. The filing painted a starkly different picture of their relationship than what had previously been shared with the public.
“I realize that there is no placating Darryl,” Bailey wrote in a court document. “I cannot allow this abuse any longer. I cannot keep living like this.”
Among the accusations, Bailey claims DDG physically assaulted her, chipped her tooth, and left her with visible bruises. She also alleged instances of emotional torment and financial manipulation. Citing these abuses, she requested full legal and physical custody of Halo, as well as an order barring DDG from contacting her or coming within 100 yards of either herself or their child. The court granted Bailey a temporary restraining order on the same day her request was filed.
Just weeks later, DDG fired back with his own legal maneuvering. On June 4, 2025, his attorneys submitted an emergency request to Los Angeles Superior Court, asking a judge to prevent Bailey from traveling to Italy with Halo. The timing was crucial, as Bailey was reportedly planning an international trip, and DDG claimed the potential departure posed risks to his parental rights and the child’s wellbeing.
In a 44-page legal filing, DDG’s team made several counter-allegations, casting doubt on Bailey’s fitness as a parent. They described her as “an imminent emotional and psychological risk” to both DDG and Halo. In one of the more controversial claims, DDG alleges Bailey once took his firearm during a domestic dispute, suggesting unstable behavior. He also claimed she had exhibited suicidal tendencies—accusations that Bailey’s legal team has categorically denied and called an attempt to deflect from the core issues of abuse.
DDG also requested a continuance of the domestic violence restraining order hearing originally set for June 4, hoping to delay the proceedings and better prepare his defense. The court has not yet ruled on whether Bailey will be allowed to travel abroad with Halo, but a decision is expected soon, with the next hearing set for June 24.
The Bailey-DDG custody battle is unique not just because of the high-profile individuals involved, but also because of the media’s role in shaping the narrative. Both parties have used their public platforms to issue subtle—and sometimes overt—messages about the ongoing dispute.
In DDG’s case, he took to music to express his frustration. He released a diss track titled “Don’t Take My Son,” directly referencing the custody situation and his emotional connection to Halo. The song, while emotionally charged, has received mixed reviews. Critics argue it reflects poor judgment to use a child custody case as musical fodder, especially when legal proceedings are still underway.
Bailey, in contrast, has remained mostly silent in public—choosing not to comment on the case outside of official legal filings. Friends and industry colleagues have spoken out in support of her, emphasizing her dedication as a mother and her desire to protect her child from unnecessary harm.
“This is about the safety and future of a child,” said one insider close to Bailey, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Halle is doing everything in her power to keep things private and mature, even when the other side isn’t playing by the same rules.”
Family law experts have weighed in on the dispute, noting that cases like these are both complex and emotionally fraught. “When allegations of abuse are raised in conjunction with custody requests, the court takes them very seriously,” says Los Angeles-based attorney Rachel Mandell, who specializes in family law. “Temporary orders are granted fairly often in these situations to ensure the child’s immediate safety, but the real test comes at the evidentiary hearings.”
Mandell also emphasized that international travel with a child during a custody dispute is often blocked unless both parents agree. “It’s not unusual for one parent to seek an emergency order to prevent a trip, especially when there’s concern the child might not be returned promptly or safely,” she said.
That seems to be the root of DDG’s emergency request: a fear—real or perceived—that Bailey might leave the country with Halo and not return according to schedule. Whether those fears are justified or exaggerated will be up to the court to decide.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect of this ongoing dispute is its impact on young Halo. At just 18 months old, he is entirely unaware of the legal and emotional tug-of-war surrounding him. For both Bailey and DDG, the stakes could not be higher, not just legally but personally.
“In high-conflict custody cases, the child often becomes a symbol of power and control,” notes Dr. Lisa Cohen, a child psychologist based in New York. “Unfortunately, this can lead to harmful behaviors on both sides—even if they’re well-meaning. The child’s emotional health should be the central concern.”
According to court documents, Bailey has argued that she is best positioned to provide a stable and loving environment for Halo. She cites her family support network, her current living conditions, and her professional schedule as conducive to full-time parenting. DDG, meanwhile, contends that he has been an involved and committed father since day one and that being kept from his son constitutes emotional abuse against him as a parent.
The next major milestone in this unfolding saga is the scheduled court hearing on June 24. At that time, a judge is expected to revisit the temporary restraining order and assess the merits of each party’s claims. The decision could significantly impact the long-term custody arrangement for Halo and may include modifications to visitation rights, custody schedules, or legal authority over the child’s upbringing.
For now, the court has issued a gag order preventing both parties from discussing the case on social media or releasing further public statements. Whether that order will stem the tide of public opinion remains to be seen.
This case is more than just a celebrity scandal. It is a reflection of the broader issues faced by families navigating co-parenting, especially when relationships end in conflict rather than cooperation. It highlights the importance of legal protections for victims of abuse, as well as the challenges of balancing parental rights with a child’s best interests.
As the court deliberates and fans continue to follow the case, one truth remains universal: custody battles are never truly “won.” They are resolved, managed, and sometimes painfully endured. And in the middle of it all is an innocent child who deserves safety, love, and peace.
