Keke Palmer speaks on ‘unhealthy’ relationship with ex Darius Jackson

Keke Palmer, the US actress, has opened up about her past relationship with Darius Jackson in her new memoir ‘Master of Me’. 

The book, slated for release on November 19, offers an intimate look into Palmer’s life. It follows her debut book ‘I Don’t Belong to You’, which was released in 2017.

In excerpts shared with People Magazine, Palmer described her time with Jackson as one of “the hardest experiences I have faced”.

The strain, she said, was amplified by the pressures of new parenthood.

“Having a baby… not just with my romantic relationships, but with family and friends, it’s always become a burden. Too many voices get in. It can make everybody else not trust you. It’s hard to explain,” she wrote.

The actress described her connection with Jackson as “deeply spiritual”.

She also explained how they both struggled with loneliness and created a bond that ultimately led to their decision to have a son.

“It was like, not only is this the person, but this is the time. It felt very spiritual for Darius and I,” she said.

“We had separate lonelinesses, and we created a space for us to exist in that loneliness together. And then we wanted to have a son. Leo was very planned”.

Palmer said as the relationship progressed, “it got so out of control”. She added that she now feels a sense of peace and would never speak negatively about her ex for their son’s sake.

“I feel very at ease now knowing things are under control,” she added.

“I didn’t want my son to think his father is a monster, because I don’t.”

The couple’s relationship, which went public in 2021, became the subject of scrutiny in July 2023 when Jackson publicly criticised Palmer’s outfit at a concert by singer Usher.

Shortly after, the actress filed for a restraining order against Jackson, citing allegations of domestic violence and seeking sole custody of their son.