Atlanta radio personality Darian Morgan, known as Big Tigger, announced on July 5 that he is temporarily stepping away from his broadcasting duties at V-103.
The decision follows a June domestic violence arrest and a federal defamation lawsuit filed by his morning show co-host.
Morgan faces charges of aggravated battery, battery, and third-degree cruelty to children.
The charges stem from a May altercation at his Sandy Springs home, where his wife, Alicia Brown, alleged that Morgan shoved her into an office door, causing a laceration above her eye that required stitches.
Their 13-year-old son was upstairs at the time.
Morgan, who has hosted the morning show since 2020, announced his hiatus via an Instagram post.
He cited public scrutiny and separation from his family as reasons for the decision.
“For as long as I've been in this industry, my focus has always been to keep the spotlight on the culture and the incredible people I get to interview.
But right now, my personal life is in the public eye and has become the subject of overwhelming speculation and misinformation,” Morgan said.
The veteran DJ, released on a $10,000 bond on the day of his arrest, emphasized the personal toll of the ongoing dispute.
“Through all of this, what hurts the most is being away from my son. Nothing is more important to me than being a great father,” he said.
He concluded by explaining the necessity of taking time off to handle his defense.
“So I've decided to step away from the mic for a while to focus on my family and give my legal team the room they need,” Morgan said.
Legal Pressure Intensifies
The legal pressure intensified on June 30 when Morgan's co-host, Francesca Amiker, filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Brown in the U.
S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
Amiker, a four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, accused Brown of falsely alleging an extramarital affair between Amiker and Morgan.
Brown also implied Amiker was responsible for Brown's facial injuries through social media posts.
According to the complaint, Brown used phrases like “Now that I have your attention,” “App loading...”
and “#hesaidshesaid” alongside photos of her injuries to generate publicity for a planned mobile app.
Amiker claims the allegations caused severe professional damage, resulting in canceled celebrity guests, halted advertiser meetings, and online harassment.
Brown addressed the legal dispute on July 3 through an Instagram statement issued by her legal counsel.
“Never called my husband an abuser,” Brown said.
The statement noted that she has been advised to limit her commentary due to the ongoing litigation.
“Advised by counsel to be mindful of any public statements,” she said.
Brown maintained that her side of the story would eventually be vindicated by evidence in court.
“Communicated everything – the receipts, including text messages, evidence, and the legal process will speak for themselves,” Brown said.
A court hearing is scheduled for July 13 to evaluate the status of a temporary protective order that currently requires Morgan to remain 200 yards away from Brown and their children.
