In a troubling court filing on Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Doja Cat’s mother—Deborah Sawyer—claimed that the star’s older brother verbally and physically mistreated her. Sawyer requested a restraining order and wanted to ensure that Doja would also be protected.
A judge has partially granted the temporary restraining order and a hearing on Jan. 31 will follow. However, it was determined that there was “insufficient good cause shown” in seeking protection for Doja Cat. Nevertheless, the “Scarlet” artist could file her own order.
Doja Cat, whose real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, “has experienced physical harm such as teeth being knocked out and bruises and lacerations” by Raman Dalithando Dlamini, according to the petition.
“Raman has destroyed and stolen property,” the petition continued. “Raman has verbally assaulted her in a very degrading and demeaning [manner]. Raman has made her feel unsafe and traumatized.”
The petition also accused Raman Dlamini, 30, of abusing his mother “3 to 10 times recently” and that it occurred “several times in the past.” Sawyer received a restraining order against him back in 2017, court documents revealed.
Sawyer claimed that the most recent instance of violence happened on Jan. 10 when he supposedly stopped her from entering her home and wouldn’t leave the petition stated. She also said he committed verbal abuse, choked her and threatened to hit her.
The petition stated: “I need these orders to protect the physical and emotional wellbeing of all parties listed. I am not only worried and fearful of physically violent episodes but the tremendous mental and emotional damage that is being done.”
Sawyer said she now has “constant anxiety and fear” for her safety. Doja Cat hasn’t spoken out publicly about the petition, but hopefully she is surrounded with support.
