It’s a huge week for Disney lovers as the annual D23 event unveiled all the exciting projects in store from animators and actors. First-ever full-time Black Tour Guide Martha Blanding was honored as a Legend this year, alongside “Black Panther” actress Angela Bassett. Around the same time her fellow Disney icons were being celebrated, “Jessie” star Skai Jackson was arrested in Hollywood for alleged misdemeanor domestic battery. Not much is known about Skai Jackson’s boyfriend, the alleged victim of her aggression, though her recent Snapchat posts suggest they’ve reconciled their differences.
Before we get to know her current lover (with whom things might be more serious than fans initially thought), let’s reflect on the 22-year-old’s romantic history. Like so many former child stars, Jackson obviously values privacy, keeping her love life out of the public eye. According to Madame Noire, her current partner was rumored to be named Kelaia. In actuality, Jackson’s boyfriend is none other than Deondre Burgin, AKA Yerkky Yerkky. Unlike past flings, he makes some appearances on her social media, suggesting that this is the most comfortable and serious she’s ever been in love.
Who Has the 22-Year-Old Previously Dated?
Jackson’s breakout role came in 2011 when she was cast as Zuri Ross on “Jessie.” Since then, “The Lion Guard” and “Descendants” have helped her reach new heights as a young Black actress. While navigating the industry and seeking out new opportunities, Jackson has connected with fellow creatives along the way, some of whom she’s rumored to have dated.
She was linked to Florida rapper Kid Trunks from 2017 to 2018, though he lashed out at her via Snapchat after rumors about them got out. Following that, 2019 was a busy year for Jackson as she reportedly spent time with Famous Jay, Smooky Margielaa and late YSL rapper Lil Keed. None of these situationships have been confirmed, but her next fling, Julez Smith was co-signed by sources who spoke with BCK Online after photos surfaced showing the East Coaster sitting on Smith’s shoulders.
NLE Choppa might not have been Skai Jackson’s boyfriend, but he did refer to her as his “lil boo” in 2021, suggesting sparks were flying between the pair. These days he’s turned his focus back to his music career, meanwhile the Disney alum is getting cozy with Kelaia – also known as @richnviolent on Instagram.
Who Is Skai Jackson’s Boyfriend?
The 22-year-old’s beau made his first appearance on Snapchat in February 2024; by March, social media sleuths uncovered his identity using a distinct hand tattoo for verification. Burgin is based in Ohio and Kentucky according to his profiles, but it’s clear the couple spends plenty of time together when her busy celebrity schedule allows. Fans weren’t immediately supportive of the union, with some pre-judging Skai Jackson’s boyfriend as a “bad boy” or “thug.” Others are curious whether he’s biracial or white, how old he is and how the lovers first met.
Deondre Burgin boasts 83.6K followers on Instagram but only has three posts – one of which Jackson proudly left heart-eye emojis under in April. His profile picture is a Disney character, Darla from “Finding Nemo,” suggesting he might’ve been a fan of his girlfriend during her days on “Jessie” and “Bunk’d.” Little else is known about Skai Jackson’s boyfriend, though the actress’ arrest last week has left people confused about her relationship status.
After Universal CityWalk security witnessed the black-haired beauty allegedly push her partner two times, they alerted authorities while detaining the couple. Jackson denied shoving Burgin, telling police that they’re engaged and expecting a baby together. Upon reviewing the footage, officers arrested her for misdemeanor domestic battery. After a few hours, the starlet was cited and released, but her case is still under review by the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office. Whether she’s really pregnant and planning a wedding was unclear at the time, though on the evening of Aug. 12th Skai Jackson’s boyfriend appeared beside her in a mirror selfie, proving the drama wasn’t enough to tear them apart.
The Young Couple Is Not a Match Made in Heaven
Unfortunately, as of May 2025, it seems clear that Skai Jackson and Deondre Burgin are not meant to be together in the long run. After keeping much of their personal relationship private, Jackson has officially come forward to file for a restraining order against Burgin, citing a series of physical assaults and threats. According to a report obtained by TMZ, the former child star has claimed that Burgin has been terrorizing her for the better part of a year. These alleged assaults include numerous instances of punching, choking, and slamming Jackson’s head against walls, and even involves a particularly disturbing incident in which Burgin allegedly commanded her to drink bleach while she was pregnant with their child.
According to the TMZ report, the last straw for Skai Jackson came during an altercation on Mother’s Day, which reportedly saw Burgin grabbing her by the hair, slamming her head into a car window, and punching her in the face, all while she held their 3-month-old boy. An L.A. County judge officially granted Jackson’s restraining order request days after she entered her filing. The situation has caused a stir on social media, especially in conjunction with a series of other prominent women who have been victims of abuse in recent years, such as Megan Thee Stallion, Cassie Ventura and Halle Bailey. Skai Jackson is currently seeking a child support arrangement in the courts as she works out her next moves, though it seems likely that her relationship with Deondre Burgin is officially over.