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At just 31 years old, award-winning actress and media powerhouse Keke Palmer has lived a life beyond her years - with her latest chapter being one of the most challenging. In her new book "Master of Me," Palmer opens up about the tumultuous relationship and bitter custody battle with her ex-boyfriend Darius Jackson, the father of her son Leo.
The couple's relationship initially seemed picture-perfect, with Palmer describing it as a "spiritual" connection after they "created a space for us to exist in that loneliness together." They welcomed son Leo in February 2023, which Palmer admits was a "big stressor" on their bond.
Trouble began brewing behind the scenes, even before the public drama unfolded on social media in July 2023. After Jackson criticized Palmer's
outfit choice for an Usher concert, fans immediately rushed to defend the actress. But Palmer reveals the relationship had already become "unhappy and unhealthy" at that point.
In November 2023, Palmer filed for a temporary restraining order, detailing multiple allegations of domestic violence, including an incident where she says Jackson broke into her home and attempted to strangle her - an encounter caught on video. Jackson responded with his own accusations and evidence, leading to a heated custody battle over their son.
"It got so out of control," Palmer says. "The only way I knew how to bring order was through the court." After months of legal disputes, the former couple eventually settled on a joint custody agreement through court-ordered mediation.
Looking back, Palmer admits the relationship wasn't entirely "black-and-white." She writes, "I didn't want my son to think his father is a monster, because I don't." Now, she says she feels "at ease" knowing things are "under control" and she's even "proud" of Jackson, who recently joined the military.
Palmer's advice to anyone dealing with a similar situation is unequivocal: "Walking away is the only way."
In her book, the actress also reflects on the broader challenges of fame, which she says have "always become a burden" in her personal
relationships. "Too many voices get in. It can make everybody else not trust you. It's hard to explain," she explains.
Despite the heartbreak, Palmer has found forgiveness and peace. As she tells PEOPLE, "I'm so proud of him and happy for him." With her new book "Master of Me" hitting shelves on November 19th, the multi-talented star is focused on taking control of her own narrative - a hard-won lesson
from her tumultuous journey.
