Content warning: this story contains mentions of emotional and physical abuse.
If you’ve ever seen Keke Palmer just being herself, be it in interviews, on her podcast, or in any of her hosting gigs, then you know that the TV personality lights up any room she’s in. So, of course, when news recently broke that the Nope star filed a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, Darius Jackson, our hearts went out to her.
According to documents obtained by Us Weekly, the filing accuses Jackson of abusing her multiple times over the course of their two-year relationship. The two started dating in August 2021 and welcomed a son together, Leodis Jackson, in February of this year.
Per the documents, the abuse reached a turning point on Nov. 5 when Jackson “trespassed into my home without my knowledge or consent” and “threatened” her before “lunging for my neck, striking me, throwing me over the couch and stealing my phone.”
Unfortunately, however, this November incident was not the only moment Jackson was allegedly abusive. According to Us Weekly, Palmer stated that there have been “many instances of physical violence” through the years including him “destroying my personal property, including diaries and prescription eyeglasses, throwing my belongings into the street, throwing my car keys to prevent me from driving away, hitting [me] in front of our son, spewing profanities about me to our son, threatening to kill himself with a gun if I left him, harassment, and other physical and emotional abuse.”
In other documents, obtained by TMZ, Palmer provided security footage of a Feb. 2022 instance showing another harrowing moment of physical abuse. Per the outlet, the footage shows Jackson “chok[ing] me and body slamm[ing] me onto the stairs” after he got “violently jealous and irrationally angry over a bikini picture.”
As for their relationship, Palmer confirmed the two ended their relationship “for good” in early October “primarily due to the physical and emotional abuse inflicted.”
In addition to requesting a restraining order, Palmer is also requesting sole custody of their 8-month-old son, Leodis. Our hearts go out to Palmer and Leodis at this time.
If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic abuse, resources are available to help. To speak with someone trained to assist survivors of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. You can also visit their website for more resources.
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