Keke Palmer's dating history: Actress has dated several musicians over the years
Keke Palmer prefers to date people from other careers
Keke Palmer debuted in the entertainment industry at the age of 13 through the 2006 movie 'Akeelah'. From there, her career has seen only an upward growth, often making her personal life subject to scrutiny. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar in March 2020, Palmer said she prefers to date someone not from the "same career." "I've always had the same philosophy when it comes to dating. Not that I wouldn't give someone a try. But trying to keep my private life outside of my work life, to me, it's easiest when you don't date someone with the same career," said the 'Hustlers' actress. However, her romantic partners include some high-profile men.
2009: Earl 'Ben J' Benjamin
In 2009, Palmer was reportedly in a relationship with rapper Earl Benjamin, better known by his stage name Ben J. He was part of the hip-hop duo New Boyz. Both were in their late teens when they started dating. In a 2018 interview with Vlad TV magazine, Benjamin confirmed they dated; however, he said, "I could have made it serious if I was serious about it, but I just felt, like, she was too young."
2010 to 2013: Rodney King
(@rodneyking/Instagram)
Palmer is believed to have dated Rodney King, a professional manager, roughly from 2010 to 2013. The couple reportedly met through one of her 'Jump' co-stars. Though she never confirmed the rumors, in a 2012 'Sway in the Morning' appearance, she said that they were living together in California.
2013 to 2017: Quincy Brown
Dating rumors between Palmer and actor and singer Quincy Brown sparked when they were shooting for the 2015 movie 'Brotherly Love'. They reportedly were in an on-and-off relationship from 2013 to 2017. However, Brown denied the rumors on 'The Wendy Williams Show' in October 2017, saying they were only close friends.
2016: Ty Dolla $ign
In 2016, Palmer was spotted kissing rapper and multi-instrumentalist Ty Dolla $ign in a nightclub in Los Angeles. However, the relationship did not take off to the next level. They worked together on the remixed version of Palmer's 2015 song 'I Don't Belong to You'.
2020 to 2021: Styn
(@itstheboii/Instagram)
In 2020, Palmer was rumored to be dating Dutch rapper Styn. In February 2021, paparazzi clicked pictures of her holding Styn's hands while picking up coffee. In late 2020, speaking to Page Six, she indirectly referred to her relationship with Styne. "Yes, you know I have some love in my life, you know there's some love there," she said. They broke up in 2021.
2021 to 2023: Darius Jackson
Palmer started dating Darius Jackson, a small-time actor and fitness instructor, in 2021. The couple welcomed their child Leodis "Leo" Jackson in 2023. They seemed to have a happy, romantic life, but things seem to have changed lately. In July, Jackson posted on X criticizing one of Palmer's outfits during an Usher performance. They parted ways in October. And on November 9, she filed a restraining order against Jackson, which was immediately granted. Palmer also claimed that Jackson physically and emotionally abused her during the two-year relationship.