Keke Palmer, known for her roles in both acting and music, recently gave her first public account of her relationship with ex-partner Darius Jackson. In an interview with PEOPLE, Palmer shared details on the highs and lows of their relationship, much of which she reflects upon in her upcoming book, *Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative*, due for release on November 19.
The former couple’s private struggles became public last summer when Jackson criticized Palmer for her choice of attire at an Usher concert, sparking a wave of online attention. Shortly after, Palmer accused Jackson of abusive behavior, and footage of a conflict between them circulated online. “It was the hardest thing I ever had to go through,” Palmer writes in her memoir, describing the emotional toll of the experience.
Despite their fallout, Palmer shared that they had built their relationship on a shared sense of companionship, saying, “It was like, not only is this the person, but this is the time. It felt very spiritual for Darius and me.” She also revealed that the decision to have their son, Leo, was intentional. “We had separate lonelinesses, and we created a space to exist in that loneliness together. And then we wanted to have a son. Leo was very planned,” she explained.
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Though their relationship appeared loving in public, Palmer hinted that issues lingered behind the scenes. “There was a lot going on,” she admitted, calling the relationship “unhappy and unhealthy” well before their public fallout. “It got so out of control,” Palmer added, “The only way I knew how to bring order was through the court.” This led the two to court-ordered mediation, where they reached a joint custody agreement for their one-year-old son, Leo.
Palmer reflected on the complexities of their relationship, noting, “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 expressed a desire for her son to have a positive image of his father, explaining, “I didn’t want my son to think his father is a monster because I don’t.”
Today, Palmer and Jackson have moved past their struggles and seem committed to co-parenting peacefully. The two have been spotted publicly with their son, and Jackson attended Palmer’s recent birthday celebration. “I’m so proud of and happy for him,” she said, noting that Jackson’s recent enlistment in the military gives her a sense of ease.
Palmer also shared a message of empowerment for others in difficult relationships: “Walking away is the only way.”
