Keke Palmer first caught Hollywood’s attention back in 2004 when she played Queen Latifah’s niece in Barbershop 2: Back in Business. Since then, the actress-singer has starred in many projects including True Jackson, VP and Hustlers. But even though the young starlet spends a lot of time in the spotlight, she’s kept her private life very, well, private.
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Palmer hasn’t always been the type to speak publicly about her love life; however, she made her relationship with Darius Jackson public in several since-deleted posts on her Instagram. While the two unfollowed each other on the platform in 2022, a split was never announced, and they revealed that they were expecting a baby in December of the same. So, what’s the tea on their relationship? Here’s what we can spill.
Keke Palmer Keeps Her Love Life Under Wraps
Palmer isn’t one to blast make-ups and break-ups to her fans. She once told Harper’s Bazaar, “I don’t really do relationship stuff online, mainly because I don’t know how I would do it without looking, like, cheesy or something, you know? Yes, I’m a hundred percent authentic, but there is stuff that I do save for family and friends.” Despite her secrecy, there have been rumors and speculations about who Palmer has dated in the past.
The multi-talented actress has reportedly been linked to rapper Meek Mill and Brotherly Love costar Quincy Brown, but she’s never confirmed anything on her end. However, in a 2012 interview, she hinted that she was living with her partner at the time, Rodney.
She was also publicly asked out by Bachelorette star Mike Johnson on Strahan, Sara & Keke—which absolutely terrified her.
“I don’t know, it really scares me to date people in the industry. That’s number one. Number two: He asked me in front of everybody. I felt totally, like, ambushed. I felt ambushed. I felt like it was a big ol’ gag. I’ve been doped,” she explained, via Yahoo!.
In 2020, Palmer was spotted hanging out with Styn from Mae Seven, but it seems to have fizzled out quickly. This leads us to 2021: Palmer was as hush-hush as ever, but it looked like she finally met someone she really liked.
Who Is Darius Jackson?
So, who is this guy that seems to have finally swept the TV personality off her feet? Enter Darius Jackson. Not to be confused with the Green Bay Packers running back with the same name, Jackson is an actor, athlete, and analyst who works for the Bleav Podcast Network and Inspire Fitness US. Given that both Palmer and Jackson are so multi-talented, it’s no wonder they were attracted to each other.
It’s rumored that the couple met at Issa Rae and Diddy’s Memorial Day party. Palmer first appeared on Jackson’s Instagram in May 2021 when he posted a heartfelt tribute to the actress for her birthday.
Jackson has also made several appearances on Palmer’s Instagram—which is how you know it’s serious. In October 2021, she posted a video of her and her beau and wrote: “Without being too mushy because I HATEEEE THAT, it feels really nice to not be afraid to show this kind of care for someone that I don’t share the same blood with. I thought it could never happen, I can be quite guarded, but I appreciate you for being a safe space. I will always cherish what you have given me.”
Instagram Activity Sparks Breakup Rumors
Even though their relationship seemed to be going swimmingly, Palmer did a sweep of her Instagram in March 2022 and deleted any posts that featured Jackson. Jackson did the same, and the pair took it a step further by unfollowing each other on the platform. However, they never announced a split, and Palmer’s preference for privacy may have been the reason for the change. While a couple mutually unfollowing each other tends to be a pretty clear signal, only Palmer and Jackson truly know what was going on between them.
Palmer Announced Her Pregnancy While Hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’ In December 2022
In a surprisingly public move, Palmer grabbed headlines when she revealed that she was expecting her first child with Jackson. As the host of SNL for the first time, she confirmed rumors of her pregnancy while displaying an adorable baby bump.
Jackson expressed his excitement about the news on his own Instagram Story, posting an image of Palmer cradling her baby bump. He added a red heart emoji to show his love for their little family. He also shared an image of the two of them backstage at SNL together, proving that he’s there to support her every step of the way.
Palmer herself responded with a sweet tribute on her Instagram, thanking Jackson for “giving me the things that only true unity can bring.”
So whatever the reason for their decision to reduce their social media presence as a couple, it looks like Palmer and Jackson are stronger than ever. We’re so happy for them, and we wish them all the best as they build a family together.