Disturbing Family Feud
In a shocking turn of events, Doja Cat’s mother, Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer, has taken legal action, seeking a restraining order against her own son, Raman Dalithando Dlamini, who happens to be Doja’s elder brother.
The details, initially reported by TMZ, paint a distressing picture of alleged verbal and physical abuse within the family.
Legal Documents Unveil Troubling Allegations
Legal documents filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, and obtained by TMZ, reveal disturbing accusations made by Sawyer against Dlamini.
According to the filing, Dlamini, aged 30, is accused of inflicting physical harm on Doja, 28, whose legal name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini. Sawyer claims that Dlamini went so far as to “knock out” Doja’s teeth, leaving the acclaimed rapper with cuts and bruises, although the exact timeline of these alleged incidents remains unclear.
Property Damage and Verbal Abuse
The filing continues with claims of property destruction and theft perpetrated by Dlamini against his sister, Doja. Additionally, Sawyer accuses him of subjecting Doja to verbal abuse, describing the communication as “degrading and demeaning,” ultimately leaving her “feeling unsafe and traumatized,” as reported by TMZ.
Furthermore, Sawyer alleges that over the past year, and even as recently as this month, Dlamini has physically abused her and threatened her life.
A Troubled Past Unveiled
The family’s backstory adds layers of complexity to the already distressing situation. Sawyer raised Doja and her brother in an ashram in the L.A. area after their father, Dumisani Dlamini, a South African dancer and actor, returned to South Africa.
Notably, Doja has publicly shared that she lacks a relationship with her father, crediting her mother—a painter and fashion designer—for inspiring her artistic pursuits. Despite this, she rarely discusses her relationship with her brother.
Past Insights and Behavioral Issues
In a 2021 interview with Rolling Stone, Doja shed light on the challenges she faced growing up. She revealed that her brother, Dlamini, had teased her for not having many Black friends during their formative years.
Adding to the narrative, Alexis Haines, who babysat Doja and Dlamini in their youth, highlighted Dlamini’s “behavioral issues,” suggesting that these challenges dominated the family dynamic and possibly left little room for Doja’s emotional expression.
Legal History and Ongoing Struggle
TMZ reports that Sawyer had previously obtained a restraining order against Dlamini, though it had expired.
In response to the recent allegations, the judge granted Sawyer court-ordered protection pending a hearing for a restraining order. However, the request for Doja’s protection was denied, with the court advising the rapper to file her own paperwork.
This distressing family feud raises questions about the toll it may take on Doja Cat’s personal and professional life.
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As the legal proceedings unfold, the public watches with concern for the well-being of the acclaimed artist and her family.