From lovebirds who couldn’t get enough of each other to centerpieces in a social media scandal, actress Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson, the father of her baby, have been through it all in just two years. While it has yet to be explicitly said whether or not they’re still together, their chemistry was certainly undeniable, and their story is one for the books. Here’s a comprehensive Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson relationship timeline.
May 2021: Palmer and Jackson’s Meet Cute
In a world where love is often found on dating apps, Palmer managed to do it the old-fashioned way. During an appearance on The Terrell Show, the Nope actress gushed about spotting Jackson at an event and feeling an immediate attraction, approaching him and suggesting they take a shot together. “We met very casually at a party. Diddy was doing an Insecure afterparty with Issa Rae. I had just done the show and his brother worked on the show,” she said of Sarunas J. Jackson, who played Dro on the HBO series.
While she wasn’t necessarily looking for love, love seemed to be looking for her. “When I walked up to him [Darius Jackson], I was not looking for love. I was looking for a roster, you understand? And so I was like, ‘He fits the physical bill.’ But when I talked to him, he was such a sweetheart. I think what I saw was he’s just a sweet guy.”
August 2022: They Go Instagram Official
Going Instagram official in this day and age is very serious business, and Palmer did not hesitate to show off her new boo to the world. After hitting it off, the two began casually dating, and in a series of shared photos from her early 2000s themed 28th birthday party, you could easily spot a few of her kissing Jackson. Just who could this mystery man be?
March 2022: Their Relationship Blooms Stronger
With more and more glimpses into her relationship via social media, it is clear Palmer was releasing her inhibitions. Her first time speaking publicly of the partnership, Palmer shared in an interview with Bustle, “This is the happiest I’ve ever felt with someone. So why would I go out of my way to hide this person?” As more details were revealed of Jackson’s identity, the two earned the world’s support in the name of black love, with many happy just to see Palmer so happy.
December 2022: Keke Is Expecting
During her hosting gig on Saturday Night Live, Palmer had quite the surprise to reveal to the world: she was pregnant with her first child. During her opening monologue, she shared, “I’m especially glad to be here, though, because there’s some rumors going around. People have been in my comments saying, ‘Keke’s having a baby, Keke’s pregnant,’ and I want to set the record straight– I am,” she declared, pulling open her jacket to reveal a baby bump.
Following her appearance on the show, she took to Instagram to share more sentiments on the emotional chapter of her life, giving a special shout-out to her baby father, “thank you to my other half @dvulton for giving me the things that only true unity can bring. Love is all we have isn’t it, you do nothing in this world alone, and trust me, I am not alone! Very grateful.”
February 2023: Baby Jackson Arrives
Diving headfirst into parenthood, Palmer and Jackson’s son officially arrived. “Born during Black History Month, with a name to match!” Palmer shared on Instagram. “LEODIS ANDRELLTON JACKSON, welcome to the world baby Leo.”
“I guess I don’t know what I would’ve expected, but I think he’s just so attentive,” Palmer reflected on what witnessing Jackson as a father had been like. “I guess that’s what you want all fathers to be. But it’s even more than I expected it. I just really am grateful to have such an amazing partner to do this with.” It seemed as if parenthood suited the duo well, and they were on their way into happily ever after… for now.
July 2023: The Social Media Scandal
Even the strongest foundations have some sensitive nooks, and it seems like Usher’s “My Way the Vegas Residency” is no safe space for promised women. Footage surfaced of Usher playfully serenading Palmer while attending a show in July of 2023. Donning a sheer black dress over a matching thong bodysuit, her outfit wasn’t received well back at home. Jackson took to social media to share his dismay with her behavior and attire, tweeting (now deleted): “It’s the outfit tho.. you a mom.”
Despite immediate blowback in defense of Palmer, Jackson doubled down on his critiques, continuing (also, now deleted): “We live in a generation where a man of the family doesn’t want the wife & mother to his kids to showcase booty cheeks to please others & he gets told how much of a hater he is. This is my family & my representation. I have standards & morals for what I believe. I rest my case.”
In the wake of the drama, the duo unfollowed each other on Instagram, while Jackson wiped any trace of Palmer from his account. While many came to Palmer’s defense, Jackson did receive support from fellow fathers who commended him for speaking up on wanting to keep a traditional household.
Never directly addressing the situation, Palmer shared cryptic sentiments about her newfound motherhood, stating, “To all my moms out there, how did your baby change you??” Palmer questioned. “Mine empowered me! On such another level, my perspective changed because when my baby is good I’m GREAT!”
August 2023: Palmer Goes Crypt
While sources confirmed that the two were broken up only a month after the social media frenzy, they both appeared on her Instagram Live together, sharing a meal for the new mom’s 30th birthday. “D, thank you for taking me out on my birthday as always,” she shared, as the two refrained from any PDA.
Conflicting reports of Jackson moving on from the relationship while still co-parenting continue to emerge, while Palmer continues to pour into her music career and flaunt her motherhood glow on social media. She even collaborated with Usher in the music video for his latest single “Boyfriend,” making light of the whirlwind drama.
Attending Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” concert together, Palmer has this to say to anyone confused about the status of their relationship: “I’m going to take a page out of my girl Beyoncé’s book. Mind y’alls business.”
November 2023: A Dark Turn of Events
In an unsuspected turn of events, their relationship drama went legal. In the restraining order request filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Palmer said she is seeking protection from Jackson after he allegedly “trespassed into my home without my knowledge or consent, threatened me, then physically attacked me.”
Palmer is also seeking sole legal and physical custody of their son without visitation. She alleged that Jackson used slurs to describe her while speaking to their son, adding, “It is because of our son, Leo, that I was finally able to end my relationship with Darius once and for all and escape the abuse.” Palmer’s declaration continues, “Leo is the most important thing in the entire world to me; he needs and deserves to be safe and grow up in an environment free from violence.”
December 2023: Darius Fires Back
As if to try to take the heat off of himself, Darius Jackson responded with his own legal counter claim. After Keke Palmer’s request for a temporary restraining order as well as temporary sole custody of their son was granted in the previous month, Jackson went to court seeking relief. He requested a restraining order against the “Nope” star, demanding she stay at least 100 yards away from him, his home, and his car. He claimed that his ex-paramour was actually “the primary aggressor” and cited several instances as far back as August 2021 to support his statement.
Along with physical aggression, the ex-beau also alleged that Palmer also harassed him because she “called him over 200 times and sent him over 50 emails” according to legal filings. According to his statement, things got so bad that Jackson was forced to change his number in March 2022 after later claiming that his ex would “frequently become agitated and aggressive after consuming alcohol.”
Darius Jackson requested that his restraining order be heard simultaneously on January 9th, 2024 — the same day Keke Palmer’s hearing was rescheduled to occur. The date was given to give both sides time to potentially mediate a solution outside of the courts.
However, court records show that the January 9th date was further postponed until July 16, 2024. Meanwhile, Palmer’s restraining order has been extended an additional six months and is set to expire on the same date as the new hearing. Yet, fans might have hope since court documents note that the two are currently actively “engaged in mediation before a private judge.”