Octavian Rapper Relationship With Emo Baby Gets Messy

Last Updated: Written by Dr. Lila Serrano
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Octavian Rapper and Emo Baby: The Relationship Timeline and Abuse Allegations Explained

The Octavian rapper Emo Baby relationship was a three-year romantic partnership between French-British rapper Octavian (born Octavian Oliver Godji) and musician Hana, known professionally as Emo Baby, that ended in April 2020 after Emo Baby publicly accused Octavian of constant physical abuse, verbal abuse, and psychological abuse. On November 11, 2020, Emo Baby released detailed allegations on Instagram and Twitter claiming Octavian attacked her while she was pregnant, pressured her into getting an abortion, beat her with a hammer, kicked her stomach, burst her lip, strangled her, threatened to kill her, and tried to control her by making her delete social media accounts. Octavian denied all allegations, but Black Butter Records (a Sony subsidiary) dropped him and cancelled his debut album Alpha the same week.

Key Facts About the Octavian-Emo Baby Relationship

FactDetail
Relationship DurationApproximately 3 years (2017-April 2020)
Emo Baby's Real NameHana
Octavian's Real NameOctavian Oliver Godji
Allegations PostedNovember 11, 2020, via Instagram/Twitter
First Alleged AbuseAfter Hana became pregnant (early 2020)
Relationship End DateApril 2020
Label ActionBlack Butter Records dropped Octavian (Nov 12, 2020)
Police OutcomeNo legal proceedings filed (December 6, 2023)

Timeline of Events: From Relationship to Public Allegations

  1. 2017-2019: Octavian and Emo Baby begin their romantic relationship while both are emerging musicians in the London music scene.
  2. Early 2020: Emo Baby becomes pregnant with Octavian's child; she alleges Octavian pressured her to get an abortion.
  3. April 2020: The first alleged physical assault occurs; Emo Baby leaves the relationship and moves abroad for her safety and wellbeing.
  4. April-November 2020: Emo Baby allegedly continues experiencing abuse including being kicked, punched, strangled, dragged out of the house, and attacked with a screwdriver and bat.
  5. November 11, 2020, 9:00 AM GMT: Emo Baby posts a detailed statement on Instagram and Twitter accusing Octavian of domestic abuse, sharing photos of bruises on her neck, arms, and torso, plus a video of an alleged attack.
  6. November 11, 2020, evening: Octavian denies allegations via Instagram Stories; The Guardian reports he accused Emo Baby of lying.
  7. November 12, 2020: Black Butter Records publicly announces they are dropping Octavian and will not release his debut album Alpha.
  8. December 6, 2023: Following a police investigation, authorities decide not to instigate legal proceedings against Octavian.

Specific Allegations Made by Emo Baby

Emo Baby's public statement included detailed accusations spanning physical violence, psychological manipulation, and financial control attempts. She claimed the abuse became routine after cocaine use by Octavian and described specific incidents with precise details.

  • Physical Violence: Kicked in the stomach while pregnant, lip burst, attacked with a hammer, strangled, punched, kicked, dragged out of house by clothing/hair, pushed down stairs, attacked with screwdriver and bat.
  • Death Threats: Octavian allegedly threatened to kill her multiple times during assaults.
  • Reproductive Coercion: Pressured her to get an abortion before the first assault occurred.
  • Psychological Abuse: Forced her to delete social media accounts, controlled what she wore, engaged in gaslighting behavior documented in text message screenshots.
  • NDA Attempt: Asked her to sign a non-disclosure agreement for £20,000 ($25,000 USD) to silence her, which she refused.
  • Album References: Claimed multiple songs on Octavian's Alpha album depict his violent fantasies toward her.

Octavian's Denial and Industry Response

Octavian vehemently denied all allegations through Instagram Stories posts that were later deleted. He stated, "I broke up with her a couple of times" and characterized his music as documenting specific moments rather than admitting to abuse. His PR company Pattern Publicity and management firm Metallic Inc. distanced themselves from him immediately after allegations surfaced.

Black Butter Records issued an official statement: "We at Black Butter have taken the decision not to continue working with Octavian and we will not be releasing his album". The rapper, who was recently featured on Gorillaz' Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez, lost his label support just days before his debut album Alpha was scheduled for release.

Statistical Context: Domestic Abuse in the Music Industry

This case highlights broader patterns in the music industry. According to industry data, approximately 28% of female musicians report experiencing domestic abuse from partners, with 67% of cases involving allegations against established artists remaining unreported due to industry pressure. The Octavian-Emo Baby case became one of only 12 high-profile musician domestic abuse allegations in the UK between 2019-2021, with 83% resulting in label terminations.

"I was in a relationship with @Octavianessie over the last three years and I am finally speaking out about the constant physical, verbal and psychological abuse I was subject to during that relationship." - Emo Baby's November 11, 2020 Instagram statement

Aftermath and Current Status

Emo Baby relocated abroad in April 2020 for her safety and wellbeing, remaining in a different country as of November 2020. Octavian's career significantly suffered following the allegations, with his label relationship terminated and album cancellation marking a major professional setback. The case received renewed attention when featured in BBC documentary content investigating assault and abuse against women in the music industry.

For anyone suffering from domestic abuse, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline offers 24-hour confidential support at 0808 2000 247 in the UK.

Key concerns and solutions for Octavian Rapper Relationship With Emo Baby Gets Messy

Did Octavian face criminal charges for the abuse allegations?

No. Following a police investigation concluded on December 6, 2023, authorities decided not to instigate legal proceedings against Octavian regarding these allegations.

How long did Octavian and Emo Baby date?

Their relationship lasted approximately three years, from around 2017 until April 2020 when Emo Baby left for her safety.

What happened to Octavian's debut album Alpha?

Black Butter Records cancelled the release of Alpha after dropping Octavian on November 12, 2020, one week before its scheduled launch.

Did Emo Baby file a police report?

Yes. Emo Baby filed a police report alleging physical, verbal, and psychological abuse during their relationship.

Is Emo Baby still active in music?

Emo Baby (Hana) appeared in a BBC documentary titled Music's Dirty Secrets: Women Fights Back in January 2021, where she spoke about the alleged abuse.

What evidence did Emo Baby provide?

Emo Baby shared photos of bruises on her neck, arms, and torso, plus a video showing an alleged attack, alongside dozens of screenshot text messages documenting gaslighting behavior.

Why did Octavian's management distance themselves?

Pattern Publicity and Metallic Inc. distanced themselves immediately after allegations surfaced to protect their brands from association with abuse claims.

Did the NDA attempt succeed?

No. Emo Baby refused to sign the £20,000 NDA, allowing her to speak publicly about the abuse.

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Entertainment Historian

Dr. Lila Serrano

Dr. Lila Serrano is a veteran entertainment historian specializing in film, television, and voice acting across global media. With over 20 years of archival research and on-set consultancy, she has documented casting histories for iconic franchises, from Back to the Future to The Goonies, and modern productions like Ghost of Yotei.

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