Doja Cat's mother alleges son physically, verbally abused rapper in restraining order
Doja Cat has been named as a victim in a domestic violence restraining order filed against the rapper’s brother.
Doja Cat’s mother, Deborah Sawyer, filed a request for a restraining order against her son Raman Dlamini in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Jan. 12, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY on Thursday. Sawyer alleged in the complaint that Dlamini blocked her from entering her home on Jan. 10 and refused to leave.
"I felt unsafe in his presence," Sawyer said in the filing. "His actions have caused extreme fear while sleeping."
Sawyer went on to describe a history of physical and verbal abuse from Dlamini, including an incident in November in which the 30-year-old allegedly choked Sawyer and threatened to kill her. She stated in the complaint that she was previously granted a restraining order against him following an escalation of his alleged abuse in 2017.
In addition to the conditions of her restraining order request, which include a no-contact order and a request for Dlamini to stay at least 300 feet away from Sawyer and her home, Sawyer also petitioned the court to extend the order's protection to Doja Cat (real name: Amala Dlamini) and Sawyer's 13-year-old grandson Myles Dlamini.
The rapper's mother alleged Dlamini has physically abused Doja, including "teeth being knocked out and bruises and lacerations," and verbally abused her with "degrading and demeaning" language.
"Raman has made her feel unsafe and traumatized," Sawyer said in the filing.
Sawyer's grandson Myles has also allegedly suffered from Dlamini's verbal abuse through "insults, shaming and demeaning slurs."
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Doja Cat for comment.
A hearing in the case is scheduled for Jan. 31 in Van Nuys, California, according to the LA County Court website.
Sawyer's legal action comes amid a spate of musical success for Doja Cat. The Grammy-winning rapper released her fourth album "Scarlet" in September, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and boasted the No. 1 single "Paint the Town Red."
The "Kiss Me More" emcee, who wrapped her U.S. Scarlet Tour in December, was also named as a headliner for Coachella 2024 alongside Lana Del Rey and Tyler, the Creator.
Coachella 2024 lineup:Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat, No Doubt and Tyler, the Creator to headline
Doja Cat live:Rapper announced Scarlet Tour with Ice Spice, Doechii