by Venus Sanders
In a shocking turn of events, actress Keke Palmer has filed for a temporary restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, Darius Jackson, accusing him of both physical and emotional abuse. The 30-year-old actress submitted the request in Los Angeles, simultaneously seeking sole legal and physical custody of their 8-month-old son, Leodis “Leo.”
Image Credit: Derek White / Stringer / Getty Images
According to court documents, Palmer detailed numerous instances of alleged abuse by Jackson, 29. The accusations include physical violence, destruction of personal property, throwing belongings into the street, preventing her from driving away by taking her car keys, hitting her in the presence of their son, using profanities about her in front of their child, threatening self-harm with a gun if she left, harassment, and other forms of physical and emotional abuse.
Despite officially ending their relationship last month after more than two years together, Palmer claims that security footage from as recently as November 5 shows Jackson trespassing into her home without her knowledge or consent. The footage allegedly depicts him threatening and physically attacking her, including lunging for her neck, striking her, throwing her over a couch, and stealing her phone when she attempted to call the police. Palmer is requesting Jackson to complete a 52-week batterer intervention program.
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The actress asserted that the abuse compelled her to end the relationship for good in early October, emphasizing the well-being of their son, Leo. Palmer stated, “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.”
Despite the breakup, Palmer claims that Jackson's behavior has become even more unpredictable and dangerous. Their representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment. Meanwhile, Jackson posted a tweet featuring a photo of him with Leo, expressing love for his son and indicating a future meeting.
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The tumultuous relationship was brought into the public eye when Jackson publicly criticized Palmer in August for her choice of attire—a sheer dress and thong bodysuit—at an Usher concert in July. This incident led many to believe that the couple had parted ways. However, they were seen together attending Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” world tour in Los Angeles a few weeks before the breakup, causing confusion among fans.
Keke Palmer had earlier played coy about her relationship status during a September interview, responding with humor, “I’m going to take a page out of Beyoncé’s book: Mind y’all’s business.” Despite the public facade, Palmer’s recent legal actions shed light on the alleged abuse she claims to have endured throughout her relationship with Jackson, ultimately prompting her to seek legal protection for herself and her child.