Keke Palmer Welcomes Son Leodis Andrellton Jackson

The actress opens up about motherhood and co-parenting with ex Darius Jackson

Feb. 10, 2026 at 8:55am

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In February 2023, actress Keke Palmer welcomed her first child, a son named Leodis "Leo" Andrellton Jackson, with her ex-boyfriend Darius Jackson. Palmer has spoken about the joys and challenges of motherhood, including filing for sole custody of Leo in 2023 due to allegations of abuse against Jackson, before the two eventually settled on a joint custody agreement. The actress has emphasized the importance of her "village" in raising Leo and says becoming a mom has given her a newfound confidence and empowerment.

Why it matters

Keke Palmer's journey to motherhood and her high-profile co-parenting situation with ex Darius Jackson has resonated with many fans and sparked conversations around the realities of modern celebrity parenthood, custody battles, and the importance of support systems for new moms.

The details

Palmer and Jackson welcomed Leo in February 2023. The actress has been open about the ups and downs of new motherhood, including filing for sole custody of Leo in November 2023 due to allegations of physical abuse by Jackson, before the two eventually settled on a joint custody agreement. Palmer has emphasized the crucial role her "village" of family and friends has played in helping her raise Leo, who she says has given her a newfound sense of confidence and freedom.

  • Keke Palmer gave birth to son Leo on February 25, 2023.
  • In November 2023, Palmer filed for sole custody of Leo, citing allegations of abuse by Jackson.
  • Palmer and Jackson eventually settled on a joint custody agreement for Leo through court-ordered mediation.

The players

Keke Palmer

An Emmy-winning actress who welcomed her first child, son Leodis "Leo" Andrellton Jackson, with ex-boyfriend Darius Jackson in 2023.

Darius Jackson

Keke Palmer's ex-boyfriend and the father of her son Leo, with whom she has been involved in a high-profile custody battle.

Leodis "Leo" Andrellton Jackson

Keke Palmer's son, born in February 2023, whose name combines elements of his parents' names.

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What they’re saying

“Mommy'ing is coming along if you were looking for an update. I have juggled quite a few careers but this is my greatest gig of all. I will never be the same again, but if you thought I was a bad mama jamma before, you can't imagine the greater purpose my son has given my life!”

— Keke Palmer, Actress

“The grace of a career like mine — and, obviously, his age — is just that he can be with me. So I'm grateful for that. I think I wanna just continue to be able to just do that and have him with me and do things together and make sure that he feels part of my life and sees what I'm doing.”

— Keke Palmer, Actress

What’s next

Palmer and Jackson will continue to co-parent their son Leo under their joint custody agreement, with Palmer emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong support system for her family.

The takeaway

Keke Palmer's journey to motherhood has been marked by both joy and challenges, but she has found strength and empowerment in her role as a parent, highlighting the importance of community and support systems for new moms in the public eye.