The Internet is buzzing with controversy surrounding Draya Michele, the 39-year-old actress and entrepreneur, and her relationship with 22-year-old NBA player Jalen Green. The debate intensified when Michele gave birth to their daughter earlier this year, igniting criticism and accusations of predation from various quarters. Notably, podcast host Joe Budden labeled Michele as a "predator" for having a baby with someone so young, stirring up discussions about the dynamics of such relationships.
Budden expressed his concerns on his podcast, stating, "If you want to f— a 21-year-old, cool. But now you got a baby by a 21-year-old? You are a predator." He elaborated on the alarming trend of older women, such as Michele, engaging romantically with much younger men, especially athletes who may lack guidance.
Recently, Draya's relationship with Green came to the forefront again when she took her son Kniko, who is also 22, to watch Green play basketball. Kniko was celebrating his birthday and appeared excited about attending the game. This family outing, though innocent, was met with skepticism online. Fans reacted with mixed feelings, questioning the appropriateness of watching games together and commenting on the oddity of having a son the same age as her partner.
One social media user remarked, "There’s gotta be shame involved at some point," reflecting growing concerns over Michele and Green's relationship. Another user voiced their discomfort by saying, "Weird isn’t even the word for it anymore." These sentiments capture the unease many feel about age-gap relationships, particularly when children are involved.
Despite the backlash, Draya seems unfazed and maintains her stance. When commenting on the age gap debate, she pointed to the relationship between R&B legend Mariah Carey, 55, and 38-year-old Anderson .Paak, stating, "That’s the 17-year age gap smile!!! Go Mimi (with y’all selective asses)." This comment incited even more backlash, as users pointed out the significant differences between her relationship with Green and Carey’s relationship.
Draya's birthday post for her son celebrated their family bond: "Celebrated Kniko’s 22nd birthday... what a blessing to see him grow as the man he’s becoming." This affectionate acknowledgment received mixed reactions online, with some fans supporting her familial dedication, but many more criticizing her life choices.
Adding to these tensions, Michele is also engaged in a legal dispute with her ex-boyfriend, NFL quarterback Tyrod Taylor. She has faced eviction from Taylor’s house amid claims she was not making payments, presenting another layer of complexity to her public image.
The reaction from fans at the recent Rockets game highlighted the uncomfortable dynamics at play. Responses ranged from humorous to downright disapproving. One fan quipped, "Jalen Green is not his stepdad," underlining the absurdities some perceive in this family structure. Another wondered aloud if Kniko thought of Green as either "pops" or "bro," adding to the surreal nature of their relationship.
Interestingly, reports indicated Kniko may be older than Green, with the media citing his age as 23. This fact has led some fans to question the propriety of their familial titles and dynamics, spurring debates about the definitions of step-parenthood and the appurtenant roles relationships take on.
Michele has been vocal about supporting Green as he strives for recognition as an NBA All-Star. She encourages her 9.4 million followers to vote for him, showcasing another side to their relationship, one laden with hope for professional success amid public scrutiny. "Vote now!" she implored, emphasizing her desire to see him reach his potential.
While Jalen Green continues to work hard on the court, his playing statistics highlight the challenges he faces this season, with his performance showing some decline compared to the previous year. Nonetheless, Michele's dedication to cheering him on remains unwavering, as demonstrated by her social media activities.
Overall, the relationship between Draya Michele and Jalen Green serves as a focal point for discussions on age, parenting roles, and public perception of unconventional relationships. Michele, undeterred by societal norms and criticism, attempts to navigate both the glare of public opinion and the realities of her life as both mother and partner.