The glitz and glamour of New York Fashion Week took a dramatic turn in the early hours of September 12, 2025, when Draya Michele, 40, and her NBA star boyfriend, Jalen Green, 23, were caught on video in a heated altercation outside The Manor hotel in SoHo. The couple, who have been dating since the summer of 2023, were attending a star-studded afterparty hosted by Mert Alas when their public dispute unfolded, reigniting scrutiny over their 17-year age gap and drawing comparisons to Michele’s 23-year-old son, Kniko Howard. Here’s a closer look at the incident and the persistent backlash Michele faces for her relationship with Green.
A Public Clash at NYFW
According to footage obtained by the Daily Mail, the argument erupted around 2 a.m. as Michele and Green left the Seventy One Gin party. The video shows Michele, dressed in a sheer black ensemble, rushing toward Green, who appeared to provoke her while wearing matching black leather pants and a T-shirt. Two friends attempted to intervene, with one pleading, “Stop, stop, stop… everybody going to get into trouble,” and another urging, “Everybody forgive each other!” Despite their efforts, the couple continued exchanging heated words as they moved down the Manhattan sidewalk, with a friend eventually leading Michele away to de-escalate the situation.
Neither Michele nor Green has publicly commented on the altercation, and their representatives did not respond to inquiries from Page Six. However, hours later, Michele appeared to brush off the drama, posting a wholesome Instagram Story of their 1-year-old daughter exploring Lower Manhattan, captioned “Baby in the Big Apple.” Notably, Green was absent from the post, leaving fans to speculate about the state of their relationship.
The Age-Gap Controversy: A Persistent Spotlight
While the NYFW incident has fueled fresh headlines, much of the online chatter has zeroed in on the couple’s significant age difference—17 years—and the fact that Green is the same age as Michele’s eldest son, Kniko Howard. The Basketball Wives alum, who also shares a 9-year-old son, Jru Sandrick, with ex-fiancé Orlando Scandrick, has faced relentless criticism since going public with Green in 2023. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with harsh comments, many of which resurfaced after the altercation.
One X user remarked, “Draya’s boyfriend and son can bond over childhood memories. This is crazy,” while another called the dynamic “weird as hell,” pointing out the awkwardness of Michele dating someone who could be her son’s peer. A third user labeled the situation “diabolical,” reflecting the intense public discomfort with the age gap. This backlash isn’t new—earlier in 2025, Michele drew similar criticism when she brought Howard to watch Green and the Houston Rockets play against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with fans slamming her courtside appearance with her son as “goofy” and inappropriate given the age overlap.
Navigating the Limelight and Public Judgment
Michele has been candid about the toll of public scrutiny. In a July 2025 interview with the New York Post, she admitted that while she tries to ignore the noise, the criticism can sting. “You try to get to that point (where you don’t give a f***), but you’re still human and you have feelings,” she said. “Sometimes, you can read things that are hurtful and you want to just let it roll off, but it doesn’t always work like that.” She added that her emotional response often depends on the day, acknowledging that the constant commentary comes with the territory of fame.
The couple’s relationship has faced additional challenges, including Green’s high-profile trade from the Houston Rockets to the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster deal involving Kevin Durant. Michele described the move as a significant adjustment, telling the Post that it was her first time experiencing an NBA trade. Despite the upheaval, she emphasized her efforts to make the transition “smooth and convenient” for Green, focusing on supporting his career.
A Relationship Under Scrutiny
Since welcoming their daughter in May 2024, Michele and Green have shared glimpses of their life together, from family moments to high-profile appearances like their Calvin Klein campaign. Yet, the NYFW altercation has amplified speculation about their relationship’s stability, with the age-gap criticism adding fuel to the fire. Social media reactions, as seen on X, range from concern for Michele to outright mockery, with some users amplifying unverified narratives about the couple’s dynamic.
While the viral clip of their argument offers only a snapshot of the moment, it’s clear the public’s fascination with Michele and Green’s relationship isn’t fading anytime soon. The age difference, coupled with their high-profile status, ensures that every move they make—whether a red-carpet appearance or a late-night spat—will be dissected online. For now, Michele seems focused on her role as a mother, as evidenced by her post-altercation Instagram Story, but the court of public opinion remains unforgiving.
What do you think about the backlash Michele faces for her relationship with Green? Is the criticism fair, or should their personal life be off-limits? Share your thoughts below!
Flip the pages for the altercation.
