Keke Palmer's Baby Daddy Says He Held Her To A 'Perfect Standard' In New Interview

Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson's relationship has faced challenges recently. In a podcast interview before their public disagreement, Jackson revealed that he initially held Palmer to a "perfect standard," which caused pressure and confusion for both of them.

However, the situation escalated when Jackson criticized Palmer's outfit at Usher's concert, receiving backlash on social media. Palmer responded with an uplifting Instagram video featuring their son, Leo.

Keep on reading to learn more.

In a recent interview conducted before the drama between Keke Palmer and her boyfriend Darius Jackson, Jackson openly discussed the challenges they faced in their relationship.

Jackson admitted on Palmer's podcast, "Baby, This is Keke Palmer," that he had initially placed the actress on a pedestal, holding her to a "perfect standard." 

"At first, it definitely was hard because it could all be very overwhelming. It was definitely overwhelming and intense at first," Jackson shared. Palmer also acknowledged their situation's overwhelming nature, adding, "It was."

"And it's like, you almost feel that pressure of needing to be perfect," Jackson continued. "And so, it really confused me and infiltrated my mind because not only did I have to hold myself to that perfect standard, I was also holding you to a perfect standard as well."

He further explained, "So, any moment of flaw on my side or your side it was World War III because it's like…" Palmer interjected, adding, "— And now the world sees us."

Notably, their conversation took place before Jackson's public outburst regarding Palmer's outfit at Usher's Las Vegas concert.

Just last week, Jackson faced significant backlash after he publicly criticized Palmer for her choice of attire, a fitted, black bodysuit under a sheer dress while attending Usher's Las Vegas Residency. Jackson tweeted a video of Palmer dancing with the renowned singer, accompanied by the text, "It's the outfit though... you're a mom."

Many Twitter users were quick to come to Palmer's defense, slamming Jackson for publicly criticizing the former child star instead of addressing her in private.

In response to the criticism, Jackson doubled down on his opinion, writing, "We live in a generation where a man of the family doesn't want the wife & mother to his kids to showcase booty cheeks to please others & he gets told how much of a hater he is. This is my family & my representation. I have standards & morals for what I believe. I rest my case."

On Friday, Palmer seemingly responded to Jackson's public rant with an uplifting video on Instagram featuring her adorable son, Leo. The heartwarming video showcased the "Nope" actress singing a beautiful rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" to her four-month-old son, Leo. In the caption, she wrote, "One thing is certain and one thing is true, IM A MOTHA, through and through!"

Palmer used the post as an opportunity to connect with other mothers, asking them, "To all my moms out there, how did your baby change you??" She then shared her own experience, stating, "Mine empowered me! On such another level, my perspective changed because when my baby is good I'm GREAT! Look at that face! Gratitude galore."

The video also included adorable photos capturing the precious moments between Palmer and Leo and their shared quality time together. In addition to the heartfelt content, Palmer excitedly revealed plans to release new merchandise on her online storefront, featuring empowering slogans such as "IM A MOTHA" and "Stevie to the Bullsh**t."

Palmer and Jackson, who supposedly crossed paths at a Memorial Day party hosted by Rae and Diddy in May 2021, have kept their relationship low-key. Their connection grew stronger when Palmer made a brief appearance in a Season 5 episode of the series "Insecure."

However, in August 2021, the lovebirds decided to make their relationship Instagram official. On Palmer's birthday, Jackson posted a heartfelt message, solidifying their bond and expressing his love for her.

In an interview on "The Tamron Hall Show" in November 2021, Palmer shared her reasons for unveiling their relationship to the world. She explained that as their connection deepened, "it became more difficult to hide" their love. "We spend all this time together, and he really is my closest friend, so it just becomes a thing where I'm not gonna hide something that makes me happy," she added, per People.

On February 25, 2023, the couple welcomed their son, Leodis Andrelton Jackson, affectionately nicknamed Leo. However, the status of their relationship remains uncertain as the new parents no longer follow each other on Instagram. Jackson also previously removed photos of Palmer from his social media page after returning from a brief hiatus due to the backlash he faced, but some are back now.