Doja Cat’s Father Responds to ‘Deadbeat’ Claims & Accuses Her Mother of Manipulation

A public dispute has erupted between rapper Doja Cat and her father, Dumisani Dlamini, after the artist addressed their estranged relationship online. The conflict began following Doja Cat’s recent performance in Pretoria, South Africa, where Dlamini reportedly appeared at the show.

The exchange was triggered by Doja Cat’s claims that she had offered her father a ticket to the concert, which he declined, citing other commitments. In response, she allegedly sent him a link to a pornography website, according to reports circulating online. Dlamini, a South African actor known for his role in the 1992 film Sarafina, responded to accusations of being a “deadbeat” father in a now-deleted Instagram post.

Dlamini alleges that Doja Cat’s mother, Deborah Sawyer, influenced his daughter’s perception of their relationship. He claims Sawyer, an American woman, “brainwashed” Doja Cat into believing he had abandoned her. “That white woman brainwashed my baby, that I had left her. I never left my kid. She played the cards because of being influenced by her mother,” he reportedly stated. He further asserted that Sawyer fabricated a narrative of his absence and prevented him from seeing his daughter, despite his willingness to maintain a relationship.

The online exchange, captured by The Shade Room on Instagram, has drawn significant public reaction, with many commenters expressing skepticism towards Dlamini’s claims. Some users criticized his apparent surprise at Doja Cat’s racial identity, although others defended his position, suggesting the possibility of manipulation by Sawyer. One commenter wrote, “Sometimes ‘mothers’ are the problem.”

Doja Cat, born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini on October 21, 1995, has previously spoken about her difficult relationship with her father. She began her music career as a teenager, releasing music on SoundCloud before signing with Kemosabe and RCA Records. She achieved mainstream success with the viral song “Mooo!” in 2018 and subsequent hits like “Say So” and “Kiss Me More.”

In a recent interview with Vogue, Doja Cat discussed her personal life, describing herself as a “serial dater” and stating she is “30, so I’m ovulating and horny.”

As of Monday, March 23, 2026, neither Doja Cat nor Dlamini have issued further public statements regarding the dispute.