In the latest celebrity drama, Draya Michele is expressing frustration over the public’s reaction to Mariah Carey’s relationship with younger musician Anderson .Paak. Draya, a former reality star and model, took to social media to voice her displeasure with what she sees as double standards in how people view age differences in relationships.
Draya, who is nearly 40, has been the subject of intense criticism for her relationship with 22-year-old NBA player Jaylen Green. Many online critics have pointed out the age gap between Draya and Jaylen, particularly because Jaylen is the same age as Draya’s oldest son. In contrast, Mariah, who is 55, has dated younger men in the past, including Nick Cannon and her background dancer Bryan Tanaka. Recently, Mariah has been linked to Anderson .Paak, who is almost 40.
Draya has been criticized for starting a relationship with Jaylen, not just because of the age gap, but also due to the optics of the situation. Jaylen is not only the same age as Draya’s son but was also previously in a relationship with a girl Draya had been close to. Some have even speculated that Draya’s relationship with Jaylen may be more about securing financial stability, given his $16 million NBA contract. With a history of dating high-profile men, Draya’s critics suggest that she might be seeking a “come-up” rather than genuine love.
However, Draya continues to defend her choices, pointing out that Mariah’s relationship with Anderson .Paak is very different from her own. While Mariah is dating a man who is closer to her own age, Draya is grappling with public judgment that has been harsh and unrelenting.
Meanwhile, in another part of the entertainment world, Ashlee Braxton, niece of the famous Braxton sisters, is shedding light on the disturbing family dynamics she endured while growing up. Ashlee, the daughter of Michael Braxton, has revealed painful details about her childhood, including being abandoned by her mother at a young age and enduring abuse at the hands of her father’s second wife. Tragically, her younger sister passed away from a drug overdose, adding to the trauma Ashlee has experienced.
Ashlee also recounted a disturbing encounter involving her aunt Trina Braxton’s husband, Gabe. At 16, Ashlee was sexted by Gabe, who was married to Trina at the time. Although nothing physical occurred, the situation was deeply uncomfortable and inappropriate. Initially, Ashlee received support from Trina when the incident was brought to light, but over time, Trina’s support turned into blame. Trina began to accuse Ashlee of being at fault, claiming she was old enough to know right from wrong.
This turn of events led Ashlee to reveal her pain, especially as she felt that Trina sided with Gabe, a man who had a history of cheating and emotionally abusing Trina. The fallout from this situation has caused a rift between Ashlee and Trina, and it seems they have never reconciled. Ashlee’s story is a heartbreaking example of how a victim can be blamed and silenced, rather than supported by family members.
In her ongoing journey for healing, Ashlee has been speaking out, hoping to help others who have faced similar trauma. She shared that the Braxton family has been plagued by dysfunction and unresolved issues for years. With a mother who harbored resentment for years due to her husband’s infidelity, and children who learned to suppress their emotions, it’s no surprise that toxic patterns have passed down through generations.
The family’s ongoing struggles with trauma and secrecy continue to affect its members, and Ashlee is now determined to break the silence. She hopes to find some reconciliation with Trina, though that remains uncertain. Ultimately, Ashlee’s courage in sharing her story is part of a larger effort to break free from the pain that has plagued her family for so long.
These two stories—Draya Michele’s frustrations with public judgment over her relationship and Ashlee Braxton’s painful family revelations—remind us of the complexities of love, family, and how the media and public opinions can shape our experiences. What are your thoughts on these situations? Do you think Draya’s criticism of Mariah Carey’s relationship is fair, or is she being too harsh? Do you think there’s hope for reconciliation between Ashlee and Trina Braxton? Let us know in the comments!