Draya Michele Gives Birth To First Baby With Jalen Green Amid Backlash To 17-Year Age Gap
Draya Michele and her boyfriend Jalen Green have welcomed their first child together.
The 39-year-old reality star revealed via Instagram Friday that she gave birth to her and the 22-year-old NBA star's baby girl on May 12.
"In 2021 on Mother's Day, my dad passed away. Since then, it's been extremely hard to celebrate that day without remembering the earth shattering phone call I received that morning," Michele wrote alongside the first photo of the newborn.
She continued, "Well, this Mother's Day was different. My daughter was safely brought into this world and I'm forever grateful for the new memories we all get to experience moving forward. Love + Light everyone."
The photo shared by the "Basketball Wives" alum did not reveal the child's face; instead, it only showed her holding her baby's foot.
Michele did not disclose the name they picked for their daughter.
The baby girl is Michele's third child. She previously welcomed sons Kniko and Jru from previous relationships.
Green also welcomed a daughter with 23-year-old California student Myah Iakopo in February, TMZ reported. An unnamed source told the outlet there was no issue between Iakopo and the couple, and that the Houston Rockets star is providing child support.
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Michele first shared the news that she was expecting a baby girl back in March.
At the time, she posted photos of her baby bump on Instagram alongside a message about motherhood and the "privilege of bringing another woman into existence."
"We are overjoyed to share our love for you, little girl," she captioned the snaps. "I'm ... excited to speak words to the daughter I never thought I'd have. We are anxious about your arrival, but take your time -- this world can be tough. But know you are being brought into a space of love, security, and adornment."
Michele did not name the father in her post, but NBA star Kyle Kuzma tagged both her and Green in his congratulatory comment.
"It's up familyyy @jalen @drayamichele [heart emoji]," Kuzma wrote.
The announcement sparked backlash over her and Green's 17-year age gap, with some dubbing Michele a "predator."
Former "Basketball Wives" star Mehgan James wrote on X, formerly Twitter, at the time: "17 years is wilddddd. Having fun with a younger guy is cool bc yall both grown. Having a baby by one that's the same age as your son speaks a lot a bout your character as a person."
Michele later appeared to respond to the criticism by sharing a quote about "being misunderstood" via her Instagram Stories.
"Get comfortable being misunderstood. Only a fraction of people will be able to truly grasp your essence. You are not on anyone else's timeline of comprehension," the quote read. "Also, it's none of your business how others choose to perceive you. Most High sees you clearly -- let that be enough."
Green also appeared unfazed by the controversy surrounding his relationship with Michele.
According to Page Six, back in March, he proudly said his "family" and his "baby" have been motivating him during his games.
