Serayah Ends Engagement to Joey Bada

Serayah Ends Engagement to Joey Bada, Citing Repeated Infidelity

Empire actress and singer Serayah McNeill has publicly ended her engagement to rapper Joey Bada. In a detailed Instagram statement posted on August 24, 2026, she announced the decision after more than three years together and the birth of their son.

Serayah, whose full name is Serayah Ranee McNeill, wrote that she “made the difficult decision to end my engagement and relationship with the father of my child, Joey.” She described loving deeply and believing in the life they were building, while facing what she called a painful truth of repeated infidelity throughout the relationship, including during some of its most vulnerable and meaningful moments.

A Relationship Built in Public View

The pair first met in 2021 at a mutual friend’s birthday party. Romance rumors intensified in early 2023 when Serayah appeared in the official music video for Joey Bada[ ’s track “Show Me” from his album 2000. Joey confirmed they were dating in a social media post on her birthday in June 2023.

They welcomed their first child together, a son, in June 2025. Shortly afterward, in July 2025, Serayah referred to Joey as her fiancé in a postpartum Instagram update that also showed her engagement ring. Joey Bada ], born Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, has one daughter from a previous relationship.

Focus on Co-Parenting and Privacy

In her statement, Serayah emphasized that her priority remains protecting their son’s peace, privacy, and relationship with both parents. She stated she would not discuss further intimate details publicly. She also shared a message of encouragement, noting that love should not require anyone to abandon themselves and urging others to trust their intuition.

As of the latest reports, Joey Bada[ has not issued a public response. Billboard and other outlets confirmed they reached out to his representatives for comment.

source: Wikimedia Commons

Watch the music video that first linked them publicly: Joey Bada$$ - Show Me (Official Video)

The announcement marks a clear close to this chapter for both artists. Serayah has chosen to move forward on her own terms while centering their shared child. What are your thoughts on the statement and the road ahead for both? Drop a comment, hit like if this coverage helped you stay informed, and subscribe for more updates on music and entertainment news.

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#Serayah #JoeyBadass #HipHopNews #Empire #CelebrityBreakup

Sources
Instagram statement by Serayah (August 24, 2026); reports from Billboard, People, Essence, and TMZ confirming the announcement, relationship timeline, and child born in June 2025.