$25K Event Disrupted by Dangerous Prank as Rapper-YouTuber Warns Against Swatting’s Deadly Risks
Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr., better known as DDG, found himself in handcuffs yesterday (August 10), after police swarmed a desert paintball tournament he was participating in. The rapper, YouTuber, and popular streamer was among several competitors in a $25,000 paintball showdown. That’s when officers arrived in response to what turned out to be a swatting call. Swatting is a dangerous and illegal prank where someone makes a false report to police, often claiming a violent threat, in order to provoke an armed law enforcement response.
The false report prompted a tactical police presence. As a result, some officers arrived with guns drawn. Video circulating online shows DDG being escorted by deputies in handcuffs toward a patrol vehicle. He was detained briefly and released once authorities confirmed the emergency call was a hoax.
The incident brought the tournament to a halt. However, after the interruption, the games eventually resumed. As of this afternoon (August 11), no arrests had been made in connection to the swatting, and local law enforcement has confirmed an investigation is underway to identify the person responsible.
DDG Reacts: “It’s Not Funny”
Following his release, DDG took to a livestream to speak directly to fans and address what happened. He admitted he was “high” and “fried” during the paintball event, and at first, he thought the raid might have been staged content for the tournament.
“I was about to do a backflip in the cuffs,” he joked. However, before turning serious about the real danger of the situation. “It’s not funny… when your behind get ten plus years and your mama crying… your dumb behind shouldn’t have did it.”
DDG warned that swatting can carry severe consequences for perpetrators, including lengthy prison sentences. Also, he stressed the potential for violence when armed officers are called to what they believe is an active threat.
Swatting: A Growing and Deadly Trend
Swatting has increasingly made headlines over the past decade. The FBI has documented a rise in such incidents. Therefore, noting that they can turn deadly when officers respond to fabricated reports of hostages, shootings, or armed suspects.
Past swatting cases have resulted in innocent people being injured or killed. This includes a 2017 incident in Wichita, Kansas, where police fatally shot an unarmed man after a hoax call.
Researchers from the National Institute of Justice have emphasized the lasting psychological impact on victims, who may struggle with anxiety, PTSD, and a loss of safety in their own homes or workplaces.
In the gaming and streaming world, swatting has become an especially notorious problem, often fueled by grudges, trolling, or attempts to disrupt high-profile live broadcasts.
Why DDG May Have Been Targeted
Police have not confirmed a motive. However, online speculation quickly tied the swatting to DDG’s controversial public profile and ongoing personal drama.
In May of this year, his ex-girlfriend, actress Halle Bailey, obtained a restraining order against him following allegations of physical altercations, as part of a high-profile custody battle over their son Halo. The couple’s breakup and legal disputes have been heavily covered online. Some users suggested — without evidence — that the swatting could have been the work of individuals with personal grudges.
Others referenced DDG’s history of public altercations, including being grabbed and robbed by security at Kai Cenat’s Streamer University earlier this year. Additionally, a fight involving his associates at Dreamcon.
Paintball Culture and Real-World Trouble
The August 10 tournament was an organized, non-violent event. However, paintball has a complicated history in hip-hop culture.
In 2018, a wave of “paintball wars” — inspired in part by rapper 21 Savage — swept through cities like Detroit and Atlanta. As a result, people were using paintball guns to settle disputes instead of real firearms. The trend led to property damage, arrests, and even fatalities.
DDG’s event was far from that type of chaos. However, the swatting showed how even controlled, recreational gatherings can become targets for malicious pranks.
Online Reaction: Concern, Conspiracies, and Criticism
The original X post by @FearedBuck, a popular X profile with more than a million followers, exploded online. Therefore, racking up over 31,700 likes, 978 reposts, 374 quotes, and nearly 500 replies. Also, it had more than 3 million views in under 24 hours.
The reaction was divided into four main camps:
Defensive or Neutral Voices – Supporters and neutral observers pointed out that regardless of opinions on DDG, swatting is never acceptable. Therefore, calling it a dangerous abuse of emergency resources.
Concerned for Safety – Many users condemned swatting outright, calling it “dangerous asf” and demanding mandatory jail time for offenders. Some drew parallels to past fatal cases.
Mockery and Schadenfreude – Critics took the opportunity to celebrate DDG’s misfortune, with comments referencing his breakup with Halle Bailey, ongoing custody battle, or dismissing him as immature.
Criticism of Police Tactics – A portion of replies questioned why officers drew their weapons after DDG was already detained, with some pointing to a female officer in the video as being “too quick” to pull her firearm.
A Reminder of Streaming Culture’s Dark Side
DDG’s detention is the latest reminder that celebrity streaming culture — where real-life events are broadcast live to millions — has blurred the lines between entertainment, clout-chasing, and personal safety.
For some trolls, disrupting high-profile figures is a form of online sport. But as this and other swatting cases prove, the consequences can be life-threatening. Armed officers responding to a perceived active shooter situation are trained to expect violence. So, a split-second misinterpretation could result in tragedy.
Moving Forward
As of now, DDG has resumed his regular online activity, and no charges have been filed against him. Law enforcement has not released details on potential suspects, but swatting is a federal crime in many cases, and convictions can carry years in prison along with hefty fines.
Whether this incident will prompt changes in how police respond to potential swatting situations remains to be seen. For now, it has sparked a fresh round of discussion about the dangers of online harassment and the thin line between digital pranks and real-world harm.
The post DDG detained during paintball tournament after being swatted [VIDEO] appeared first on Hip Hop Vibe.
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