Keke Palmer is getting real about her previous toxic relationship, calling it “the hardest thing I ever had to go through.”
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Ahead of the Nov. 19 release of her new book “Master of Me”, Keke is opening up about fame, family, and what really went down between her and Darius Jackson.
On Wednesday, PEOPLE shared an exclusive with the actress, 31, who reflected on the early days of her relationship with Jackson, 30.
According to Keke, they started off strong with a connection that felt “spiritual” as they bonded over shared experiences of loneliness and decided to have a child together, welcoming son Leodis Andrellton Jackson in February 2023.
“We created a space for us to exist in that loneliness together,” she said. “And then we wanted to have a son. Leo was very planned.”
After their son’s birth, however, things started unraveling publicly and privately before exploding in July 2023 when Darius famously criticized the dress she wore at an Usher concert.
But PEOPLE reports that was only the tip of the iceberg, as she’d already been feeling the relationship was becoming “unhappy and unhealthy.” What followed were allegations of domestic violence and a custody battle.
As previously reported back in November 2023, Palmer accused Jackson of physical abuse, claiming he destroyed her personal property, threw her belongings into the street, and hit her in front of their son. She also claimed Darius threatened to kill himself if she left him.
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After Keke filed a temporary restraining order against Darius, he hit back at her claims by alleging that she was the aggressor in their relationship, claiming she “punched” him in the face “at a birthday party” in 2021 and allegedly choked and hit him during another altercation the following year. He also alleged that Keke’s mom, Sharon, threatened to “put a bullet” in his head.
“It got so out of control,” said Keke in her book. “The only way I knew how to bring order was through the court.”
As for what initially went wrong between them, “having a baby was a big stressor,” she said as was fame: “Not just with my romantic relationships, but with family and friends, it’s always become a burden. Too many voices get in. It can make everybody else not trust you. It’s hard to explain.”
Now, however, it’s all over, and Keke’s reflecting on the intense journey. After six months of court-ordered mediation, she and Jackson reached a joint custody agreement for Leo.
“I wish I could say he was terrible the entire time or that I was … but it wasn’t that black-and-white and that was the problem.” She continues, “I didn’t want my son to think his father is a monster, because I don’t.”I didn’t want my son to think his father is a monster, because I don’t,” wrote Keke per PEOPLE.
Keke Palmer Confirms Darius Jackson Split, Offers Advice To People In Similar Situations
Just last month, Keke and Darius sparked reconciliation rumors last month when he posed for pics with her at her birthday party.
Now, however, the Nope star is confirming that she’s moved on.
“Walking away is the only way,” Keke told PEOPLE when asked about her advice to anyone dealing with a similar situation.
She also noted that she’s found forgiveness and peace despite the tumultuous relationship they once had.
In fact, “I’m so proud of him and happy for him,” she says of Jackson, who recently entered the military. “I feel very at ease now knowing things are under control.”
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