Keke Palmer and her ex-boyfriend, Darius Jackson, were recently spotted together at the zoo with their 18-month-old son, Leodis. The family was seen enjoying the outing, with Palmer and Jackson both smiling for the camera while little Leodis laughed and played. A photo shared on Leodis’ Instagram account gave fans a glimpse into their day, including a sweet moment where the toddler got his face painted as a lion. The caption read, “You can’t tell, but I loved it. I had a fun day at the zoo!”
This sighting comes after a tumultuous period in the couple’s relationship. Palmer was granted temporary custody of Leodis earlier this year, along with a restraining order against Jackson. The 30-year-old actress accused Jackson of physical and emotional abuse, claiming he would “love-bomb” her before growing distant. Surveillance footage from their home reportedly captured a scuffle between the two. In response, Jackson denied the allegations and filed a countersuit, alleging that Palmer had been verbally and physically abusive toward him. He also accused her of frequently drinking alcohol and becoming aggressive when intoxicated. Both the restraining order and lawsuit were later dropped.
Palmer and Jackson Taking Steps Toward Co-Parenting
While it’s unclear if Palmer and Jackson have rekindled their romantic relationship, the zoo outing suggests that they are working toward a healthier co-parenting arrangement. Despite their past legal battles, they seem to be prioritizing their son. Jackson previously opened up about the difficulties of their custody dispute, stating on social media, “I feel for the dads that gave up when it came to custody. It’s mentally, emotionally & physically draining. You’ll lose yourself.”
He also emphasized the importance of waiting until marriage before having children and keeping God at the center of relationships. “There’s a rule book that’s been given to us thousands of years ago. Best to follow it. Cause everything else leads to chaos,” Jackson advised.