Keke Palmer is opening up about her llife in her upcoming book, Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative, set to release on November 19.
In the memoir, the Nope star talks about how becoming a mom to her son, Leo, changed her life—and ultimately led to her split from ex-boyfriend Darius Jackson.
Last year, Palmer and Jackson welcomed baby Leo into their lives, a decision she says was planned.
“It felt very spiritual for Darius and I,” she tells People exclusively about the beginning of their relationship, explaining that both felt lonely but found solace together. “And then we wanted to have a son. Leo was very planned”, Keke admits.
But a few months later, their relationship unraveled publicly. A viral moment came when Jackson publicly momshamed Palmer’s outfit at an Usher concert, which led to massive online support for Palmer but stirred up further tension between the two.
Reflecting in her book, she calls it “the hardest thing I ever had to go through”, revealing that her relationship became “unhappy and unhealthy.”
She admits that “having a baby was a big stressor,” compounded by the difficulties of fame.
“Not just with my romantic relationships, but with family and friends, it’s always become a burden. Too many voices get in. It can make everybody else not trust you. It’s hard to explain.”
She eventually sought a restraining order, alleging multiple incidents of domestic violence. Jackson responded in court, claiming she had abused him, as they both fought for custody of Leo.
“It got so out of control,” Palmer recalls. “The only way I knew how to bring order was through the court.”
After court-ordered mediation, Keke and Darius reached an agreement for joint custody.
“I wish I could say he was terrible the entire time or that I was … but it wasn’t that black-and-white and that was the problem.” She continues, “I didn’t want my son to think his father is a monster, because I don’t.”
Today, Keke feels at peace. Speaking about Jackson, who recently joined the military, she says, “I’m so proud of him and happy for him. I feel very at ease now knowing things are under control.”
Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative by Keke Palmer is available for preorder now, wherever books are sold.