R&B singer and reality TV figure Ray J spent part of his Thanksgiving behind bars after an explosive livestream allegedly showed him pointing a gun at his estranged wife, Princess Love, during a confrontation that quickly spiralled out of control. Police arrested the 44-year-old early Thursday morning and booked him on a criminal-threat charge. His bail was set at R949,500.
The livestream, which spread across social media before it could even cool down, captured a bitter exchange between the longtime on-again, off-again couple. Ray J is seen accusing Princess Love and members of her family of preparing to drive while intoxicated. The argument escalated rapidly, and while holding one of their young children, Princess Love could be heard accusing him of pointing a firearm at her.
At one point, she is clearly heard saying that she had contacted the police. Ray J’s on-camera response—“I’ll shoot the f—ing police”—only added fuel to an already burning fire and appeared to confirm how volatile the situation had become.
The video also shows Ray J grabbing what appears to be a handgun and issuing a series of threats, including insisting he would not allow anyone to enter the home. Police responded to a domestic disturbance call shortly after and took him into custody without further incident.
Ray J and Princess Love married in 2016 and share two children: Melody, now 7, and Epik, 5. Their relationship has been a public rollercoaster for years, complete with televised arguments, police involvement, and no fewer than four divorce filings from Princess Love—the most recent lodged earlier this year.
As of Thursday, both law enforcement and representatives for the couple have declined to issue statements. Reports indicate Ray J has since posted bail and been released while the investigation continues.
According to court schedules, Ray J is expected to make his first appearance on December 19. Given the seriousness of the allegation—especially with a child present—the court proceedings are likely to draw significant attention. While the public may be accustomed to celebrity drama, this incident lands far from entertainment and firmly in the territory of police procedure, legal consequences, and the well-being of the children involved.
The case once again highlights how easily public figures can crash through the thin boundary between curated online life and the messy, very real consequences of what happens behind the scenes—particularly when those scenes are streamed live.
