The Shocking Truth About Darius Jackson: From Keke Palmer's Ex To U.S. Army Recruit

Darius Daulton Jackson, once a relatively unknown aspiring actor and fitness instructor, rocketed into the public spotlight after beginning a relationship with superstar actress Keke Palmer. As of , his profile is defined less by his professional pursuits and more by a highly publicized, controversial breakup that included viral social media drama, domestic violence allegations, and a surprising life change: joining the United States Army. This deep dive uncovers the man behind the headlines, detailing his biography, the explosive legal battles, and his current path toward "redemption."

The saga of Darius Jackson and Keke Palmer became a major talking point in pop culture, moving from a sweet, supportive partnership to a bitter legal fight that dominated entertainment news for months. Understanding who Jackson is requires looking past the controversy to his roots, his professional aspirations, and the dramatic events that led to his most recent, life-altering decision.

Darius Daulton Jackson: A Complete Biography and Profile

Darius Daulton Jackson, who also goes by the name Darius Daulton, is an American fitness instructor, aspiring actor, and former college athlete who gained widespread notoriety for his relationship with actress Keke Palmer.

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• Full Name: Darius Daulton Jackson
• Date of Birth: January 21, 1994
• Age: 31 (as of )
• Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Nationality: American
• Career: Fitness Instructor, Aspiring Actor, Former College Football Player, U.S. Army Recruit
• Education: Reportedly attended Fresno State University on a football scholarship.
• Family:
  • Brother: Sarunas J. Jackson (Actor, known for *Insecure*)
  • Ex-Partner: Keke Palmer (Actress, Singer, TV Personality)
  • Child: Leodis "Leo" Andrellton Jackson (Son, born February 2023)
• Known For: His high-profile relationship and subsequent legal battle with Keke Palmer.

The Relationship That Launched Darius Jackson into the Spotlight

Before his relationship with Keke Palmer, Darius Jackson was a relatively private individual. His public visibility was primarily linked to his older brother, Sarunas J. Jackson, who is known for his role as Alejandro "Dro" in Issa Rae's hit HBO series, *Insecure*. This connection gave Darius access to high-profile events where he eventually met the *Nope* star.

The couple first met in 2021 at an after-party for *Insecure*. Their relationship quickly became serious, and they went Instagram official in August 2021, with Jackson sharing a heartfelt birthday post for Palmer. Their connection was a significant moment in Palmer's career, as she had previously kept her dating life intensely private.

A major milestone came in December 2022 when Keke Palmer revealed she was pregnant with Jackson's child while hosting *Saturday Night Live*. Their son, Leodis "Leo" Andrellton Jackson, was born in February 2023, seemingly cementing their family unit. However, the public-facing image of their relationship soon took a dramatic turn.

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The Viral Controversy and Domestic Violence Accusations

The beginning of the end for the couple’s relationship was marked by a viral social media incident in July 2023. Darius Jackson publicly criticized Keke Palmer on X (formerly Twitter) for an outfit she wore to an Usher concert, stating, "It's the outfit, though... You a mom." This comment sparked a massive public backlash, with fans and celebrities criticizing Jackson for publicly shaming the mother of his child.

The controversy quickly escalated beyond a social media spat. In November 2023, Keke Palmer filed for a temporary restraining order against Jackson, alleging a two-year history of physical abuse. Her legal filing included graphic details and a request for sole legal and physical custody of their son, Leodis. [cite: 4, 5, 7, from step 2]

The details of the filing alleged "many instances of physical violence" throughout their relationship. In response to the restraining order, Jackson filed a counter-suit, denying the allegations and accusing Palmer of being the abusive party, claiming she inflicted "physical and verbal abuse" on him. [cite: 13, 14, from step 2] This legal back-and-forth painted a tumultuous picture of their private life, contrasting sharply with their earlier public displays of affection. The legal battle over the restraining order and custody remains a defining chapter in Jackson's public narrative.

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Darius Jackson’s Surprising New Path: Joining the U.S. Army

Amidst the high-profile legal drama and the fallout from the public breakup, Darius Jackson made a life-altering decision that became his latest headline: he joined the United States Army. [cite: 9, 12, from step 1]

Finding "Redemption" in Military Service

Jackson publicly stated that joining the military was a "much needed" move following the end of his relationship with Keke Palmer. He described the decision as a search for "redemption" and a way to channel his focus into a disciplined environment. The news broke months after the birth of his son, Leodis, indicating a desire for a fresh start away from the Hollywood spotlight and the intense public scrutiny he had faced.

His decision to enlist highlights a significant pivot from his previous career as a personal trainer at Inspire Fitness Studio and an aspiring actor. While his initial career path involved the entertainment industry, his current commitment to the military represents a complete shift in lifestyle and priorities. This move has been interpreted by many as an attempt to regain control of his narrative and build a stable future for himself and his son, Leodis "Leo" Andrellton Jackson.

A Family History of Service and Entertainment

Jackson's life is rooted in a family with ties to both the entertainment world and athletics. His brother, Sarunas J. Jackson, continues to work in the acting industry, and Darius himself had a background in college football. This mixed background—from athletics to entertainment to the military—makes Darius Daulton Jackson a complex figure whose life has been marked by dramatic transitions and intense public interest. His current commitment to the U.S. Army is the most recent, and perhaps most significant, chapter in his evolving story.