Photos of Halle Bailey with her new companion, first published by The Shade Room, show the pair enjoying a sun-soaked Italian getaway. The Little Mermaid star was seen diving into the sea and relaxing on deck in a black two-piece swimsuit and sunglasses, while her companion, identified by fans as music producer Scott Bridgeway (known professionally as Ruchaun Akers), kept things casual in swim shorts.
Halle Bailey living her best life with her new man… IKTR!!🤭 pic.twitter.com/1OFvn2yThh
— welp. (@YSLONIKA) July 1, 2025
Bailey's first romance since DDG split
This is the first time Bailey has been romantically linked to someone since her split from rapper and YouTuber DDG, whose real name is Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr. The former couple, who share a 17-month-old son named Halo, broke up in October 2024 and have been locked in a highly publicised legal battle since.
Bailey is currently seeking sole legal and physical custody of Halo and was recently granted a restraining order against DDG. In court documents, she alleged she had been physically, emotionally, verbally and financially abused by her ex-partner, including a violent incident in January that left her with a chipped tooth.
Despite DDG filing an emergency motion in June to block Bailey from travelling abroad with their son, the court granted her temporary sole custody, allowing her to move forward with her Italian trip.
Halle Bailey and Scott Bridgeway, Kendrick Lamar’s producer, were spotted together on a vacation. pic.twitter.com/408Ck0AbMu
— 📸 (@metgalacrave) July 1, 2025
While Bailey has been filming the romantic comedy Italianna since early June, fans quickly ruled out her 37-year-old co-star Regé-Jean Page as her yacht companion. Attention instead turned to Akers, a music industry veteran reportedly connected to artists such as Kendrick Lamar.
The relationship marks a new chapter for Bailey, who has kept her romantic life private since becoming a mother. Her Italian escape comes as public scrutiny around her custody battle with DDG continues to intensify.
Sisterly love amid the drama
Amid the headlines, Bailey took to Instagram to celebrate her sister Chloe's 27th birthday. Sharing throwback photos and heartfelt messages, she called Chloe her 'protector' and 'bright light', writing: 'God blessed me big time with you as my sister.'
happy birthday to my bestie, my angel, my shoulder to cry on, my genius sister !!! God blessed me big time with you as my sister and i’m so so proud of you!!!!!💕💕💕27 today !!! pic.twitter.com/evDise8JBy
— Halle (@HalleBailey) July 1, 2025
While Bailey's personal life has been under intense media attention, fans are hopeful this new romance signals a fresh start — and possibly, a much-needed moment of peace.
