Keke Palmer tells her own story about the public fallout within her family after a viral interaction with USHER at a USHER concert last year.
In a recent interview with People, Palmer opened up about Usher’s viral incident at his concert that ultimately led to her turning against her ex-husband Darius Jackson, the father of her child ) filed a restraining order.
The controversy began when Jackson took to Twitter to express his displeasure with Palmer’s attire at a concert. In her initial comments about the incident, Palmer downplayed her interaction with USHER, explaining that it was all supposed to be part of a “fun” moment she was creating with him.
“I know people feel like celebrities know each other, or so they think,” Keke Palmer said in part.
“I mean, ultimately I’m just doing what an entertainer does because I’m creating an interesting moment. That’s who he is [Usher] Does that with every artist that comes to his show. How it became a real storyline that Arthur and I fell in love, or something happened with Arthur, I don’t know how it happened, but usually, as we all know, things are never what they seem.
However, Jackson eventually caused a stir after retweeting a video of Palmer being serenaded by USHER during her Las Vegas residency, publicly criticizing her sheer attire and going on a rant in the retweet.
“Here’s the outfit… you’re a mom (sic),” he tweeted. When Jackson was criticized for publicly shaming his partner’s appearance, he only stood his ground.
“We live in an age where a family man doesn’t want his wife and mother to show her booty cheeks to his children for the entertainment of others while he is being told how hateful he is,” he wrote on Twitter. “This is my family and my representation. I have standards and ethics for what I believe in. My case is on hold.
Palmer explained that while she had a different perspective on the matter than Jackson did, the incident sparked public speculation about her relationship, considering it was just a concert. She said that in addition to Jackson’s comments, she Also shocked to see this relationship unfold.
“I was just listening to a concert… and it wasn’t reality for me,” she said. “I’m speechless…I’m just shocked.”
Describing the public reaction and her ex’s social media comments, Palmer added, “I have nothing to say, it’s not reality… I don’t want to be a part of something that’s not reality.”
She expressed frustration at the spread of misinformation and explained that taking legal action was her way of bringing order to her family.
“The only way you know how to order or control something is in court,” she said.
Palmer concluded by saying the court proceedings had brought her a sense of clarity and calm, saying: “I feel very relieved right now… There’s a sense of peace.”
Keke Palmer and Jackson announced their romance last year and announced the birth of their child, which initially sparked joy among fans. However, Palmer continued to accuse Jackson of domestic violence and in December 2023 was awarded temporary sole custody of her and Darius’ then-9-month-old son, Leodis. A temporary restraining order prohibits Jackson from entering the home.
Watch the full interview in the video above.
