Keke Palmer Says 2024 Started 'On The Vibes I Was Looking For' Amid Drama With Ex

The year kick-started on a good note for Keke Palmer, 'if she does say so herself,' after a tumultuous last quarter of 2023.

The actress, who is currently living her best life on vacation, is tangled up in a domestic violence case and custody battle with ex-boyfriend and baby daddy Darius Jackson after she served him a restraining order in November.

Palmer shared a major life update on her socials to welcome the new year as she took a dip in the clear blue waters.

The actress, who donned a black halter neck top paired with hoops earrings and a silver necklace, was all smiles as she played with a stingray in the short clip. She expressed her gratitude and optimism for the new year in the accompanying caption, writing:

"Whew Chile! These mosquitoes done had they way with my eye, I feel like I was in that Martin episode. I have never been so happy in my life!! Already 2024 has started off on the vibes I was looking for, more experiences and more enjoying what this beautiful world has to offer. Look at my smile! I don't even recognize me! I made a second connection with this girl here, I'm on clouuuuuud nine!"

Her fans quickly flocked to her Instagram comment section to shower her with the love and encouragement needed to pull through this phase of her life.

One commenter went straight for compliments, writing, "Your skin looks so radiant... Come visit us here in Antigua and Barbuda we have 365 beaches for you to enjoy," as another added, "Such a happy face!" 

This fan acknowledged Palmer's absolutely iconic status as they wrote: "He finna go tell the whole reef 'you'll never guess who I just met!'" Another fan warned the stingray not to hurt Miss Palmer, writing, "That stingray know we don't play about her. She'll be good."

The just-concluded year ended on a pretty dramatic note for the singer after Jackson countered her initial restraining order and served her a new one. The Blast gathered that the fitness instructor accused Palmer of being the primary aggressor in the relationship and that she engaged in "abusive conduct throughout their two-and-a-half-year relationship."

Jackson did not stop there. He further sought a modification to their existing custody arrangement by requesting shared custody in their "son's best interest," adding that:

"I am requesting the court order joint legal and physical custody. (Keke) has refused to allow me to see Leodis since obtaining temporary restraining orders. My offer to have visitation monitored was rejected, and she has unilaterally eliminated any and all access."

Jackson continued that Palmer subjected him to physical and verbal abuse and that she punched, choked, and hit him multiple times with specific dates stated in the filing documents.

He alleged that Palmer hit him in the face at a birthday party and violently gripped his arm from leaving her house two months after the birthday incident. Palmer also allegedly harassed Jackson with over 200 phone calls and 50 emails after he told her he would not be spending the night at her residence on November 17, 2021.

Despite the overwhelming support, Palmer has received from the public since the news went viral, the actress has confessed to her life taking a drastic turn. The mom-of-one walked fans through her struggles adjusting to her new reality in an Instagram clip accompanied with the caption:

"When reality tv makes everyone believe all celebrities' lives are just one big marketing strategy and scheme but my life is truly unraveling at the seams and I just wear trauma like a dolce gabana coat because Sharon didn't raise no b—-."

The Blast shared that the post was received with support from fellow notable figures in the industry including SZA and Teyana Taylor.

Prior to that post, the 30-year-old confessed on her podcast "Baby, This Is Keke Palmer" alongside her mom, Sharon Palmer, and therapist, Dr. Drew Pinsky, that her naivety contributed to the breakdown of her relationship with Jackson.

Palmer also admitted to having trouble establishing boundaries, but in all, has chosen to stay happy rather than sulk over her harrowing experiences in the abusive relationship.