Two Years After ‘The Little Mermaid,’ Halle Bailey Takes Legal Action

Halle Bailey, who enchanted audiences as Ariel in Disney’s 2023 The Little Mermaid, has received a court-ordered restraining order against her former boyfriend, rapper and YouTube personality DDG, following alarming claims of ongoing abuse.

Bailey, a Grammy-nominated performer and actress, filed legal documents detailing multiple instances of alleged abuse by Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr., professionally known as DDG. The couple, who share a son named Halo, ended their two-year relationship in October 2024, shortly before Bailey gave birth in December.

“The judge on Tuesday ordered DDG, whose legal name is Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr., to stay away from Bailey and their 17-month-old son, Halo, until a June 6 hearing,” Click Orlando reports.

In her court filing, Bailey claimed, “Throughout our relationship, Daryl has been and continues to be physically, verbally, emotionally, and financially abusive towards me. I am seeking orders to protect myself and our son, Halo, from his ongoing abuse.”

A particularly disturbing altercation is described in the documents: “The next thing I knew, things got physical between us. We fought each other, wrestling and tussling. At one point, Darryl was pulling my hair. He then slammed my face on the steering wheel, causing my tooth to get chipped. I then stopped fighting back as I was in a lot of pain.”

Pending a June hearing, the temporary order may be extended for up to five years, depending on the court’s findings.

Bailey’s career took a high-profile turn when she was cast as Ariel in Disney’s live-action reimagining of The Little Mermaid. Announced in 2019, the casting sparked a heated online debate. Supporters applauded the decision for bringing much-needed diversity to a classic role, while critics argued it diverged too sharply from the 1989 animated original.

The reaction was polarizing, with hashtags like #NotMyAriel trending across social media. At the same time, Bailey earned support from fans, celebrities, and industry peers who emphasized the cultural significance of a Black actress portraying one of Disney’s most iconic characters.

Upon release, Bailey’s performance silenced much of the early skepticism. Her version of “Part of Your World” was widely embraced, praised for its emotional delivery and musical prowess.

Despite online noise, The Little Mermaid delivered strong box office numbers, grossing over $570 million worldwide. Its Memorial Day opening weekend was particularly successful, and the film maintained a steady audience throughout the summer.

While some international markets showed resistance, partially attributed to the casting choice, the film resonated with family audiences and gained momentum on Disney+ after its theatrical run. Bailey’s portrayal has since been seen as a landmark in representation.

After portraying Ariel, Bailey continued to explore a variety of roles. She starred in The Line and The Color Purple in 2023. Looking ahead, she is set to appear in You & Me & Tuscany (2026) and an upcoming comedy directed by Jesse Eisenberg. She was previously attached to Michel Gondry’s Golden, though the project was indefinitely postponed by Universal Pictures.

The allegations and legal measures come at a pivotal time in Bailey’s career. While her professional trajectory continues upward, her personal life has been marked by serious challenges.

The June 6 hearing will determine whether the restraining order is extended, potentially offering long-term protection for both Bailey and her son.

Stay with us for updates, and let us know what you think about this development in the comments.