This International Women’s Day, Draya Michele sent shockwaves across the basketball world after announcing her pregnancy. The father of her expected baby girl, due in May, is rumored to be Houston Rockets’ guard Jalen Green. However, the news was not received as well as most pregnancy announcements usually are. While some congratulated Draya on her third pregnancy, most criticized her for her relationship with Green. This reaction stems from the glaring age difference between the two. Draya, at 39, is much older than 22-year-old Green, who is almost as old as her firstborn, Kniko (21).

The days following the announcement haven’t been easy for the former Basketball Wives star, with people calling her out, left and right. Overwhelmed by the negative attention, The Perfect Match actress turned to social media to express the emotional toll it has taken on her. “I feel like I am at the bottom of a pile of heavy humans. Most hours of the day I feel like I am struggling to breathe,” she wrote in her Instagram story.

Jalen and Draya were first spotted together in Los Angeles last summer at a party near the Sugar Fish Spot. That set the rumor mill spinning. However, it was not until the announcement last week that their relationship was confirmed. And as expected, it did not go according to plan. However, she indirectly responded to the comments disparaging her with an inspirational quote on her story.

Draya Michele responds to the online criticism

With several people claiming that Michele was using Green because of his sizable NBA contract, she responded with a quote about being okay with being misunderstood. “Get comfortable in being misunderstood. Only a fraction of people can truly grab your essence. You’re not on anyone else’s timeline of comprehension. Also, it is none of your business how others choose to perceive you. Most high above see you clearly let that be enough,” the quote read.

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However, the voices only grew louder when an old interview from last September resurfaced. During a conversation with The Shade Room, the mother of two revealed that she doesn’t necessarily believe in having a relationship with someone just for the sake of having a child together. Instead, she suggested that people can also co-parent without being in a relationship. “At this point in my life, the relationship is amazing to have, right? But that’s not what I am basing having a kid on. Because I’m very non-traditional. I feel you can co-parent without being in a relationship. Maybe just two people say, ‘Hey. You want a kid, I want a kid. Let’s just have a kid.’ And let’s just see.”

Amid the voices calling her a “predator,” many have also come to Draya’s defense. NFL legend and basketball analyst Shannon Sharpe pointed out that both of them are consenting adults, capable of making their decisions. “If people are upset, what you upset about? This is two consenting adults,” said Sharpe.

Draya had established her name in the industry before dating Green. With over 15 acting credits to her name and collaborations with top brands as a model, she’s also a savvy entrepreneur. She owns a swimwear line called Mint Swim and two fashion and lifestyle brands, Fine Ass Girls and Beige & Coco.

Jalen Green Baby Bombshell: Speculation Swirl Around Girlfriend Draya Michelle’s Pregnancy Announcement