In early July, Keke Palmer decided that she deserved a girls’ night out. She and some of her girlfriends went to Las Vegas to catch Usher’s new residency. Keke just had a baby in February and she decided to show off her postpartum curves in a slinky, half-sheer dress. She posted photos of her look, and while she was at the show, Usher pulled her up on stage and they did a little sexy duet/serenade and a dance. It was all in good fun. It could have been a happy, positive story about Keke’s bounce-back after welcoming her first child. Unfortunately, Keke’s boyfriend/partner Darius Jackson decided to make an ass out of himself by attempting to mom-shame her or slut-shame her or just neg her into submission. He posted some sh-t about how she’s a mom and he’s the head of house and she shouldn’t go out all caked up to see Usher. It turned into a major thing and people were outraged on Keke’s behalf.
What came next is weird because no one has confirmed anything and no statements were issued. Keke and Darius unfollowed each other but there was also some evidence that they were still together or working on it. I was left the impression that they were probably together but Darius was on notice. Well, apparently not. Apparently, Darius wants it to sound like HE dumped HER.
Darius Jackson may no longer be the “Boyfriend” in question. On the heels of Keke Palmer teaming up with Usher for his new song “Boyfriend,” a source says her estranged partner, fitness instructor and actor Darius Jackson, is making new moves of his own.
“He’s moved on,” a source tells PEOPLE of Jackson, who made headlines in July when he publicly criticized Palmer’s attire on a social media post of the star dancing with Usher as he serenaded her during his Las Vegas residency.
“It’s the outfit tho.. you a mom,” he tweeted in response to photos of Palmer, 29, who wore a sheer dress at the show. Jackson deleted his Twitter account 24 hours later after facing backlash.
The two, who welcomed son Leodis Andrellton in February, have not been spotted together since the incident, though Palmer has kept busy with work engagements.
Neither have addressed the status of their relationship publicly. A rep for Palmer declined to comment.
According to the source, Jackson is focused on an acting career and wants to put the drama behind him. In terms of co-parenting, the pair are making it work, adds the source: “You don’t have to be in the same household to be good parents.”
“You don’t have to be in the same household to be good parents” – so much for Darius being in charge of his household when Keke pays all the bills and it’s her f–king house. So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night – toxic masculinity ruins another relationship. Instead of choosing to support and lift up a wonderful woman, this miserable man thought he could neg her down to his level. Disgusting. I hope Keke spends exactly zero minutes on that fool.
As for the Usher music video, it’s cute as hell. Usher is so funny, hiring Keke for this video. Wait until the end too – “I am a mother, after all.” Perfect, no notes.
Photos courtesy of Cover Images, Avalon Red, Getty.
Guess he found out.
“he’s focused on his career” lol what career?
Is it his fitness instructor career, the one where new moms trying to get their *own* grooves back might no longer be so excited for his services?
New moms need to go out. Mental health and all. They need to be themselves away from baby and boyfriend.
You know that thing where you think, “I wish I’d said….” when breaking up?
Keke gave us the masterclass. Epic.
How are men so petty and shortsighted? Imagine if, instead of his offensive message, he had written something like “tfw your woman goes out looking hot ass, parties with Usher, and still comes home to you.”
That would have been epic and shown the deep bond between them. Instead, he showed how little he cared about their connection. Their relationship was for him, about him, and only to benefit him.
Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Well, either than or say nothing and talk to her in private if he had an issue.
He’s never going to live this down. Good for Keke.
I love this in all of its petty glory. Next time maybe the man that used to live in Keke house will journal his feelings.
So he found a successful, wealthy, hot woman who would give him a child and a life luxury, and he decided to torpedo it because he was insecure? That’s pretty damn funny, cuz he was already punching above his weight class. He’s not gonna do any better than her.
That video was AMAZING- the “i’m a mother” with the EPIC side eye.
I applaud Ms. Palmer. Good for her!
Oh My God this is amazing and epic what a multi talented woman! The ex really struck a nerve for her to go all in like this.
I love Keke Palmer. Incredibly talented. Expect an Oscar in her future. She is waaaaay too good for Darius. Good riddance.
This video is fantastic!! Keke and Usher are both such naturally charming people and they have great chemistry together. Also – is Usher immortal??!! He still looks like he’s in. his twenties. This was such a great idea I love the concept for this video. It’s also a very catchy song!
I missed the first half of this story in real time, so I’m catching up now. The worst part is that she looks so happy in that video with Usher! Just let women live their lives, jesus!
I went into you tube and typed in Usher and it auto filled with Usher Boyfriend Video. Clearly people are here to watch Keke strut away from that nonsense.
Wow the internet really broke this couple up.
No. His actions broke them up.
Honestly, I have enjoyed this so much and this is just the frosting on the cake.
His acting career? *checks iMBD* You mean such hits as “KeyTV Sports Fan” (produced by Keke Palmer) and a 13 minute short titled “Ultraman: A New Chapter”?
This man was in Keke Palmer’s house, with Keke Palmer’s baby, on Keke Palmer’s internet, eating Keke Palmer’s snacks, getting his work subsidized by Keke Palmer and literally ALL he had to do was shut up. That’s it. He had it made. We would have celebrated his support of his family and his willingness to let Keke shine. And yet, could he do it?
She’s too good for that Cousin Skeeter looking fool anyway. Be fabulous and unbothered, Keke!
I think Keke’s moment has really come. She deserves it and she is my favorite IT girl from now on. I glory in her successes, vicariously, and can almost taste the sweetness. Love you, Keke!!!!
So he made a point of saying she’s a mom now but yet he is the one who has moved on. Isn’t he a dad?
Loving this! I’m late to the Keke fan club party and hey wait! On top of everything else, she’s a really good dancer!
I love the song. I’ve been singing it madly all day.
Go, Ms Palmer. I gotta listen to your podcast now.