Darian ‘Big Tigger’ Morgan is taking a leave of absence from mornings at Audacy Hip Hop/R&B “V103” WVEE Atlanta.

Morgan was arrested last month on charges of aggravated battery, battery and third-degree cruelty to children after an incident where his wife Alicia Brown told police he shoved her into an office door during an argument at their home. His co-cost Francesca Amiker filed a defamation suit against Brown last week alleging that Brown falsely accused Amiker of having an affair with Morgan, blaming her for the breakup of their marriage and suggesting that she was connected to the abuse that Morgan was charged with. Amiker had joined the station in April after previously having stints at WXIA-TV and E!.

In a social media post, Morgan wrote, “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. 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. 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. As I previously said, I unequivocally deny every allegation, and I am looking forward to clearing my name. Thank you so much all for the love and support.”

Big Tigger has been with WVEE since 2013 and moved from afternoons to mornings in July 2020. He previously worked on-air at WERQ Baltimore, WPGC Washington and WWPR New York and had a long run as host of multiple shows on BET including “106 & Park” and “Rap City: The Basement” in the 90s and 2000s. He also serves as PA announcer the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and DJ/Music Director for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons’ tailgate events.