Content warning: This article describes intimate partner violence. Please take care while reading.
Skai Jackson, the 23-year-old former Disney Channel star, has filed for a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, Deondre Burgin, citing a disturbing pattern of intimate partner violence.
Jackson’s legal team initiated the legal action, first reported by TMZ, on May 19, 2025, in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The filing aims to protect both Jackson and their 3-month-old son, Kasai.
Repeated physical and emotional abuse
In court documents obtained by TMZ, Jackson alleges that Burgin subjected her to repeated physical and emotional abuse over six months in 2024. The most alarming incident reportedly occurred on Mother’s Day 2025, when Burgin allegedly assaulted Jackson while she was holding their infant son. According to the filing, he grabbed her hair, slammed her head against a car window, and punched her in the face.
Jackson also claims that during her pregnancy, Burgin demanded she drink bleach to terminate the pregnancy and held her at knifepoint, threatening to stab her if she called for help.
Burgin stay at least 100 yards away from Jackson
The restraining order requests that Burgin stay at least 100 yards away from their son, and her pet dog. Additionally, Jackson seeks a legal child support agreement and requests that Burgin cover her legal fees. She also asks the court to mandate that Burgin attend a domestic violence treatment program.
Who is Deondre Burgin?
Burgin, known online as “Yerkky Yerkky,” is a digital content creator. He has a history of legal issues, including a recent arrest on an outstanding warrant and a 90-day jail sentence for a parole violation, which coincided with the birth of their son in January 2025.
Jackson, an author, actress, and former child model, gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Zuri Ross on Disney Channel’s Jessie and its spinoff Bunk’d. Her performance earned her an NAACP Image Award nomination in 2016.
Beyond Disney, she lent her voice to characters in the Marvel Rising franchise and DreamWorks Dragons: Rescue Riders. In 2019, Jackson published her memoir, Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback.
The Burgin allegations have sparked widespread concern and support for Jackson on social media platforms. Fans shared, “She didn’t deserve all this,” and others added, “Why do y’all blame women for picking bad men and not blame men for being bad in the first place?” Fans commended her courage in coming forward and taking legal action to protect herself and her child.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or if you believe someone you know is being abused, contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE or spoken with online via the hotline’s website. Mobile phone owners can also text “START” to the number 88788.
Published: May 20, 2025 04:46 pm