Keke Palmer And Darius Jackson: 5 Critical Updates On Their Custody Battle, New Relationships, And The Aftermath Of The Viral Split

The tumultuous relationship between actress Keke Palmer and her ex-boyfriend Darius Jackson has captivated public attention, moving from a viral social media moment to a complex legal battle involving child custody and domestic violence allegations. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the saga has entered a new phase, with significant developments concerning their co-parenting arrangement for their son, Leodis Andrellton Jackson, and the dramatic shift in both of their personal lives. This deep dive explores the current status of their relationship, the legal outcomes, and the profound impact of the public scrutiny on both Keke Palmer’s career and Darius Jackson’s future.

Full Biography and Profile: Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson

Understanding the context of their high-profile split requires a look at the distinct careers and backgrounds of both Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson.

Keke Palmer (Lauren Keyana Palmer)

• Born: August 26, 1993, in Harvey, Illinois.
• Occupation: Actress, singer, television host, and television personality.
• Career Highlights: Palmer is a multi-talented entertainer who rose to fame with her lead role in the film Akeelah and the Bee (2006). She starred in the Nickelodeon sitcom True Jackson, VP, and later earned critical acclaim for roles in films like Hustlers (2019) and Jordan Peele’s Nope (2022).
• Accolades: She is a recipient of numerous awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, and has been recognized as one of Time magazine’s most influential people.
• Personal Life: Palmer is known for her vibrant personality and outspoken nature, which has made her a cultural icon and a fan favorite.

Darius Jackson

• Born: December 1, 1993, in Sparta, Illinois.
• Occupation: Former professional football player, actor, writer, sports content creator, and fitness instructor.
• Career Highlights: Jackson was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for a brief period. Following his football career, he shifted his focus to acting, writing, and creating sports content. He is also a certified fitness instructor.
• Personal Life: Jackson is the younger brother of actor Sarunas Jackson (known for HBO's Insecure). He became a father for the first time with Keke Palmer.

The Viral Controversy and Relationship Breakdown

The relationship between Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson began in early summer 2021, and they went Instagram official in August of that year. Their bond deepened with the announcement of Palmer’s pregnancy during her Saturday Night Live hosting debut in December 2022. Their son, Leodis Andrellton Jackson, was born in February 2023.

The public relationship, however, came to a screeching halt in July 2023 following an incident that became a global viral sensation. Keke Palmer attended an Usher concert in Las Vegas, wearing a sheer, black Givenchy dress under a black bodysuit. Darius Jackson, who was the father of her four-month-old son at the time, publicly criticized her outfit on X (formerly Twitter).

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The tweet, which stated, "It’s the outfit tho.. you a mom," ignited a massive social media firestorm. The controversy centered on the public shaming of a mother’s fashion choices and the perceived control over a woman’s body. Palmer’s fans and celebrities alike rallied to her defense, labeling Jackson’s comments as misogynistic and controlling. The event was swiftly followed by a public diss track from Usher, who featured Palmer in his music video for "Boyfriend," a song widely interpreted as a nod to the drama.

The aftermath was immediate and decisive: the couple officially separated shortly after the incident. This public breakdown set the stage for the legal proceedings that would follow.

Critical Legal and Personal Updates in 2024–2025

The most significant and recent developments in the Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson saga stem from the legal action taken by Palmer in late 2023, which has shaped their current status and co-parenting dynamic into 2025. This legal battle has been intensely scrutinized, with Keke Palmer later expressing that the strain of the custody fight, amplified by her fame, felt "unhealthy."

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1. Temporary Sole Custody Granted to Keke Palmer

In November 2023, Keke Palmer filed for a restraining order against Darius Jackson, alleging domestic violence and abuse. Following her filing, a Los Angeles court granted Palmer a temporary restraining order and, crucially, awarded her temporary sole physical and legal custody of their son, Leodis Andrellton Jackson. This ruling means that, for the time being, Palmer has the primary say and responsibility in decisions regarding their son's life, a key entity in the ongoing legal process.

2. Darius Jackson's Denial and Subsequent Career Shift

Darius Jackson vehemently denied the domestic violence allegations brought against him. However, the legal and public fallout from the controversy and the restraining order filing appeared to prompt a major life change. Reports in 2024 indicated that Jackson was attempting to "remedy" his situation by potentially entering the military. While the specifics of his military involvement remain private, this drastic career shift represents a significant departure from his previous roles as a content creator and fitness instructor.

3. Keke Palmer's Focus on Career and Motherhood

Following the split and the court ruling, Keke Palmer has channeled her energy into her career and her role as a mother. She has been vocal about reclaiming her narrative and identity, particularly as a mother who is also a successful, self-possessed woman. Her public appearances and interviews have centered on the themes of empowerment, independence, and navigating the challenges of co-parenting under the intense glare of the media spotlight.

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4. The Debut of a Seemingly New Relationship for Jackson

In a notable update from 2024, Darius Jackson appeared to debut a new romantic relationship. He shared a short video on social media platform X, showing him smiling alongside a woman presumed to be his new partner. This public move signals an attempt by Jackson to move on personally, even as the legal and co-parenting entities with Palmer remain ongoing.

5. Navigating the 'Unhealthy' Custody Battle

In interviews, Keke Palmer has offered deep reflections on the toll the public custody battle has taken. She described the situation as "out of control" and "unhealthy," noting the unique strain her celebrity status put on the private family matter. Her candidness highlights the complexity of high-profile splits, where the line between private life and public spectacle is constantly blurred, creating a difficult environment for establishing a stable co-parenting dynamic for Leodis.

The Future of Co-Parenting and Public Perception

The relationship between Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson remains one of the most closely watched celebrity splits. The current arrangement of temporary sole custody provides a legal framework, but the long-term co-parenting strategy for Leodis Andrellton Jackson will be the critical focus moving forward. The contrasting paths—Palmer's continued ascent in Hollywood and Jackson's reported pivot to the military—suggest a future where their interactions will be primarily centered on their son.

The entire episode, from the viral outfit shaming to the domestic violence allegations and subsequent legal action, serves as a powerful case study in modern celebrity relationships, social media scrutiny, and the public's evolving perspective on gender roles and motherhood. As both Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson navigate their new realities, the public will continue to monitor the development of their co-parenting relationship and their respective personal journeys.