Keke Palmer Breaks Her Silence on ‘Unhealthy’ Relationship with Ex Darius Jackson: ‘Hardest Thing I Ever Had to Go Through’ (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

At 31,Keke Palmeris already on hersecond book about her life, and rightly so.

“Nowthatlady has a story to tell,” she says of herself in a campy retro broadcast voice while all decked out in Old Hollywood glamour for her PEOPLE cover shoot at her Los Angeles home. She’s joking but it’s true.

The award-winning actress, singer and media power player has lived a life that belies her years — and one that has brought her to her knees many times over.

“That’s always been the thing with me: I’m in a mature scenario, having these older experiences in the workplace and with my sense of purpose,” she says, “but then again, I’m just a regular 31-year-old with all of my immaturities."

Keke Palmer on the cover of the Nov. 11 PEOPLE print issue.Phylicia J. L. Munn

Phylicia J. L. Munn

It’s a paradox that the former child star grapples with in her new bookMaster of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative, out Nov. 19, and one that recently came to a head in a very public and painful way.

Last year, a few months after theNopestar welcomedson Leo, with then-boyfriendDarius Jackson, 30, their seemingly happy relationship imploded after Jackson’s social media post criticizing a dress she wore to an Usher concert kicked off a viral firestorm. Then came allegations of domestic violence and a custody battle.

In all, “It was the hardest thing I ever had to go through,” she writes in her book. Now, after settling their disputes and reaching a good place with her ex, she’s finally ready to reflect.

Keke Palmer at home, shot for PEOPLE.Phylicia J. L. Munn

Thinking back to when the relationship first started out, “It was like, not only is this the person, but this is the time. It felt very spiritual for Darius and I,” she says. “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.”

The pair appeared every bit the happy couple throughout her pregnancy and just after Leo was born in February 2023. But behind the scenes, “There was a lot going on,” she says, even before Jackson took to social media with a gripe that July.

“It’s the outfit tho . . . you a mom,”he wrote in response to a video showing Palmer wearing a sheer dress as she danced with Usher at his concert. Fans immediately came to her defense online, but Palmer writes that the relationship had already grown “unhappy and unhealthy.”

Keke Palmer’s new book, ‘Master of Me’.

Six months later, after court-ordered mediation, Palmer and Jackson settled amicably on a joint custody agreement. Looking back on the relationship, she writes, “I wish I could say he was terrible the entire time or that I was … but it wasn’t that black-and-white and that was the problem.” She continues, “I didn’t want my son to think his father is a monster, because I don’t."

Keke Palmer with Darius and their son Leo.Keke Palmer/Instagram

Keke Palmer/Instagram

Her advice to anyone dealing with a similar situation: “Walking away is the only way.”

These days she’s found forgiveness and peace.  In fact, “I’m so proud of him and happy for him,” she says of Jackson, who recently entered the military. “I feel very at ease now knowing things are under control.”

For more on the highs and lows of Keke Palmer’s life in the spotlight, pick up this week’s issue of PEOPLE, available Friday.

source: people.com