5 Shocking Revelations About Keke Palmer's Son's Father And Their Tumultuous Co-Parenting Journey
The relationship between Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson, the father of her son, has been a dramatic public saga, shifting rapidly from a seemingly perfect Hollywood romance to a highly publicized legal battle. As of late 2025, the narrative is no longer about their initial viral split but about the complex and often contentious journey of co-parenting their young son, Leodis “Leo” Andrellton Jackson, amidst accusations of domestic violence and ongoing legal motions. This article dives deep into the profile of Darius Jackson and the most recent, fresh, and often shocking developments in their post-breakup dynamic.
The public first learned of their relationship in 2021, and the birth of their son in early 2023 was a highlight for fans. However, the subsequent fallout, triggered by a viral social media comment regarding Keke Palmer’s outfit at an Usher concert, has led to a series of legal filings, including a restraining order Keke Palmer filed against Jackson, citing abuse. The latest news in late 2025 continues to focus on the challenging realities of their separated lives, including Jackson's reported career change and their differing public statements on their son's life and milestones.
Who Is Darius Jackson? A Complete Profile of Keke Palmer's Son's Father
Darius Daulton Jackson, known primarily as the former partner of actress Keke Palmer and the father of her child, has a background rooted in fitness and entertainment. He is often recognized in the public sphere not just for his relationship with Palmer but also for his connection to his famous older brother, actor Sarunas Jackson.
- Full Name: Darius Daulton Jackson
- Primary Occupation: Fitness Instructor and Aspiring Actor
- Fitness Career: He has worked as a fitness instructor, notably at Inspire Fitness Studio.
- Acting Career: Jackson has pursued acting, securing minor roles in television shows such as Games People Play and SportsFan.
- Family Connections: He is the younger brother of actor Sarunas Jackson, known for his role on the HBO series Insecure.
- Relationship Timeline: Darius and Keke Palmer began dating in 2021 after reportedly meeting through mutual friends, including actress Issa Rae.
- Son's Name: Leodis "Leo" Andrellton Jackson, born February 27, 2023.
- Recent Career Change: Reports in late 2024 suggested Darius Jackson had entered the military, a significant shift from his previous career path.
The Timeline of Turmoil: From Viral Romance to Restraining Orders
The relationship between Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson became a massive talking point in the summer of 2023, but not for positive reasons. The events that unfolded over the following months dramatically reshaped their lives and the public's perception of their relationship, ultimately leading to a complete separation and legal action.
The Viral Usher Concert Controversy and Immediate Split
The first major crack in their relationship appeared in July 2023 after Keke Palmer attended an Usher concert. She was filmed being serenaded by the R&B star while wearing a sheer black dress over a bodysuit. Darius Jackson publicly criticized her outfit on social media, stating, "It's the outfit tho.. you a mom." This comment immediately went viral, sparking a massive public debate about double standards and gender roles in relationships.
The backlash was swift and intense, and while Jackson initially defended his comments, the incident became the catalyst for their split. Multiple sources confirmed that the couple had broken up shortly after the controversy, with Jackson reportedly moving on.
The Domestic Violence Allegations and Restraining Order
The separation took a far more serious turn in late 2023 when Keke Palmer filed a restraining order against Darius Jackson. In her filing, the actress accused Jackson of domestic violence, detailing multiple incidents of alleged abuse. The court granted her a temporary restraining order, a significant legal move that highlighted the severity of the issues behind their public split.
This legal action moved the narrative beyond a simple breakup, framing the relationship as one Keke Palmer later described as "unhealthy." The allegations and the subsequent restraining order underscored the turmoil and the necessity for Palmer to secure legal protection for herself and her son, Leodis.
The Brother's Counter-Filing and Ongoing Legal Drama
In a bizarre twist that amplified the family drama, Darius Jackson's brother, Sarunas Jackson, also filed for a temporary restraining order against Keke Palmer and her mother, Sharon. Sarunas Jackson's filing was reportedly denied by the judge. This counter-filing further complicated the legal landscape and drew more attention to the deep-seated conflict between the two families over the co-parenting arrangement and the circumstances of the split.
Co-Parenting and Healing: Keke Palmer's New Chapter
Despite the legal battles and the public scrutiny, Keke Palmer has been vocal about her commitment to healing and focusing on her son, Leodis Andrellton Jackson, who celebrated his second birthday in early 2025. Her focus is now entirely on co-parenting and moving forward after what she has described as a period of significant turmoil.
The Reality of Shared Custody
Keke Palmer has openly discussed the challenges of co-parenting with Darius Jackson, particularly in the context of the restraining order. She has emphasized the difficulty of navigating shared custody while maintaining emotional distance and safety. The actress has stated that her priority is ensuring a stable and loving environment for "Leo," even if it means navigating complex legal and personal boundaries with his father.
Public Statements and the Birthday Controversy
The ongoing tension flared up again in a minor public controversy when Darius Jackson made a statement implying he "barely knew" his son's birthday, which was widely interpreted as an insensitive comment given the circumstances. This remark further highlighted the disconnect and communication issues between the co-parents.
In contrast, Keke Palmer has used her platform, including her music album, to share her journey of healing and self-discovery following the relationship's end. She has expressed a desire for a different kind of partner in the future, stating she is open to dating again after healing from the "unhealthy" relationship. She humorously noted that her new criteria for a man is someone who is either a "Steve Urkel" (a reference to a wholesome, nerdy character) or a "daddy," indicating a shift toward stability and maturity.
Leodis "Leo" Andrellton Jackson
The central figure in this entire saga remains Leodis "Leo" Andrellton Jackson. Born in February 2023, his name is a combination of classic and unique elements, with "Leo" serving as the popular nickname. Keke Palmer has consistently shared moments of joy with her son on social media, emphasizing that he is her greatest source of happiness and motivation. Her public narrative is one of a mother determined to thrive and protect her child, regardless of the drama surrounding his father.
The story of Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson is a modern cautionary tale of public relationships and the difficult reality of co-parenting after a messy, high-profile split. With legal protections in place and Keke Palmer focused on her career and healing, the current dynamic in late 2025 is a complex tapestry of shared parenthood and necessary distance. The focus remains on Leodis Jackson, the son at the heart of the ongoing story, as both parents navigate their separate lives while striving to fulfill their roles.
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