On November 9, 2023, film and television star Keke Palmer requested a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, Darius Jackson, alongside full custody of their son. Palmer alleged that Darius Jackson was physically and verbally abusive in their relationship and that their breakup only furthered this behavior, as maintained by court documents. The actress also said she felt that Darius was a threat to their son’s safety.
The couple announced their relationship in 2021, with Keke Palmer announcing her pregnancy while hosting “Saturday Night Live” only a year later. The couple seemed to be on good terms, with Palmer on Instagram calling Darius Jackson her “favorite Aquarius” in a birthday post dedicated to him. In a Twitter, now called X, post on July 4, she tweeted, “Not tryna be the person but… I love my man (PERIODT!).”
A day later, outrage sparked when Darius Jackson posted a tweet stating, “It’s the outfit tho.. you a mom” in response to a video of Palmer being serenaded by singer, Usher, at his Las Vegas
Residency. In the video, Palmer is wearing a dress with black transparent fabric with what appears to be a black bodysuit underneath.
Jackson’s tweet was immediately given pushback, with many people accusing him of attempting to humiliate the well-known actress publicly. Jackson, on the other hand, was unreceptive to these critiques and released another tweet in which he addressed the backlash saying “This is my family & my representation. I have standards & morals to what I believe. I rest my case.” This debacle created debate on whether Jackson’s tweets were justified or if he had gone too far.
Some go as far as to shame Keke alongside Darius for her clothing and perceived disrespect of her family.
Palmer stated that as a result of many conflicts, the pair broke up in October, and since then, Jackson has broken into her home and physically assaulted her. She also recounted times in their relationship where Jackson expressed jealousy, would accuse her of cheating, and on numerous occasions destroy her belongings, as well as be rough with their son.
In addition, Keke Palmer’s mother, Sharon Palmer, went live on Instagram and alleged the abuse has gone on for over a year.
Palmer was granted a temporary restraining order and no visitation for Darius Jackson of their
eight-month-old son, in which, in response Jackson posted a photo with him and his son captioned “I love you, son. See you soon.” on X.
