Keke Palmer, the Emmy-winning actress and singer, has been in a happy relationship with Darius Jackson, an actor and fitness instructor, since 2021.
The couple recently welcomed their first child, a son named Leodis Andrellton Jackson, on Feb. 25, 2023.
But who is Darius Jackson, and how did he meet Keke Palmer?
Here are some details about their love story.
Who is Darius Jackson?
Darius Jackson is a man of many talents.
He grew up playing several sports and attended Fresno State University on a football scholarship.
He also received a certificate in broadcasting and was interested in pursuing a career in sports media.
However, he later switched to the entertainment industry, following the footsteps of his older brother, Sarunas Jackson, who is an actor best known for playing Alejandro “Dro” Peña on HBO’s Insecure.
Darius has appeared on a show called Games People Play in 2019 and has been working on some acting projects, such as Dawn of the Predator.
Darius is also a fitness instructor for Inspire Fitness US, where he teaches high-intensity interval training classes.
He often posts photos and videos of his workouts and physique on his Instagram account, where he has over 100k followers.
What did Keke Palmer’s boyfriend Darius Jackson say?
Keke Palmer’s boyfriend Darius Jackson caused a stir on social media when he publicly criticized the outfit she wore to an Usher concert in Las Vegas.
The fitness instructor and actor tweeted a video of Palmer, who was wearing a sheer black dress over a black bustier, being serenaded by Usher on stage.
He wrote: “It’s the outfit tho… you a mom.”
Keke Palmer’s boyfriend shames her for the outfit she wore to Usher concert:
“It's the outfit tho.. you a mom.” pic.twitter.com/ossVtYdfp1
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 5, 2023
The tweet sparked a backlash from some fans, who accused Jackson of being controlling, disrespectful, and misogynistic.
They defended Palmer’s right to wear whatever she wanted and pointed out that she was not a mom, but a mother.
They also questioned why Jackson felt the need to air his grievances on Twitter instead of talking to Palmer privately.
Jackson, who shares a son named Leodis Andrellton Daulton with Palmer, did not back down from his stance.
He tweeted again, saying: “We live in a generation where a man of the family doesn’t want the wife & mother to his kids to showcase booty cheeks to please others & he gets told how much of a hater he is. This is my family & my representation. I have standards & morals to what I believe. I rest my case.”
Darius Dalton does not approve of Keke Palmer showcasing her "booty cheeks" pic.twitter.com/JUp9b38r8L
— Black AF News (@blackafnews) July 5, 2023
Palmer, who announced her pregnancy while hosting Saturday Night Live in December 2021, has not responded publicly to Jackson’s tweets.
However, she did share some photos and videos of her night out with Usher and her friends on her Instagram story.
She also posted a photo of herself in the same dress, with the caption: “If you haven’t seen @usher YOU MUST GO!! HE WAS SO FABULOUS!!”
How Darius Jackson and Keke Palmer met and fell in love
Darius Jackson and Keke Palmer met at a star-studded Memorial Day party hosted by Issa Rae and Diddy in May 2021.
Keke had just made a brief cameo in a Season 5 episode of Insecure, where she played herself as a guest on Issa’s podcast.
The couple hit it off and started dating soon after.
They went Instagram official in August 2021, when Darius posted a sweet tribute to Keke on her birthday.
He wrote: “Never would have expected summer 2021 to turn out the way it did, but here we are. I’m glad we were able to help each other throughout our lowest of times & show one another that what we are bringing to the table is everything that we got.”
Since then, the couple has been inseparable and supportive of each other’s careers.
They have also shared some adorable moments on social media, such as dancing together, cuddling on the couch, and celebrating Halloween as Batman and Catwoman.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqwg1kdqM2j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Is Darius Jackson Keke Palmer’s Husband?
Darius Jackson and Keke Palmer are not married yet, but they are proud parents to their baby boy, Leo.
Keke announced her pregnancy in December 2021, while hosting Saturday Night Live.
She revealed that she was expecting a baby boy during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
The couple welcomed their son on Feb. 25, 2023.
Keke shared the news on her Instagram story, writing: “Our son Leodis Andrellton Jackson aka Leo was born today at 2:22pm, weighing 7lbs 11oz.”
She also posted a photo of herself holding her newborn baby in her arms, with the caption: “The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cqij9Pvgg7j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Darius also shared his joy on his Instagram story, writing:
“I’m so proud of you @keke you did amazing today. I love you so much.”
He also posted a photo of himself kissing Keke’s forehead while she cradled their son, with the caption: “My family.”
https://youtu.be/2Z4FJxE-ahc
Conclusion
Darius Jackson is Keke Palmer’s boyfriend and the father of her son Leo.
He is an actor, fitness instructor, and former football player.
He met Keke at a party in 2021 and they have been dating ever since.
They are not married yet, but they are very happy and in love.
