Honestly, it’s been a whirlwind. If you grew up watching Jessie on Disney Channel, you probably remember Skai Jackson as the sharp-tongued, fashionable Zuri Ross. She was the "it girl" for a whole generation of kids. But lately, the headlines haven't been about her acting projects or her book releases. Instead, everyone is talking about Skai Jackson and Deondre Burgin.
It’s messy. There is no other way to put it.
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Most people didn't even know who Deondre Burgin—better known online as "Yerkky Yerkky"—was until things started going south in very public ways. For a long time, Skai kept her private life under lock and key. Then, a domestic battery arrest at Universal Studios in August 2024 blew the lid off everything. People were shocked. Skai? The poised Disney star? It didn't fit the image.
The Mystery of Deondre Burgin
Who is this guy? That’s the question that flooded X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok the second his name leaked. Deondre Burgin isn't a Hollywood actor or a high-profile musician. He’s a digital creator with a complicated past. Rumors swirled early on that the two actually met while he was incarcerated. Think about that for a second. A Disney alum and a guy behind bars. It’s a trope we see in movies, but seeing it play out with a star we "raised" is different.
People found old Facebook posts. They dug up his criminal record. It wasn't pretty. Burgin has dealt with multiple legal issues, ranging from parole violations to more serious allegations like armed carjacking.
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A Timeline of the Chaos
To understand why people are so worried about Skai, you have to look at the sheer speed of how this relationship devolved.
- August 2024: Skai is arrested at Universal Studios CityWalk. Security allegedly saw her push Burgin. The DA eventually dropped the charges, calling it a "misunderstanding," but the red flags were officially raised.
- November 2024: Skai announces she is pregnant with her first child. She tells People she’s thrilled. Almost immediately, a post from Burgin’s Facebook account surfaces calling her a "dumb a** Disney Channel b****." Skai and her mom, Kiya Cole, claimed he was hacked.
- January 2025: Skai gives birth to her son, Kasai. While she’s posting sweet photos of baby hands, Burgin is reportedly back in jail in Ohio for a parole violation.
- May 2025: The breaking point. Skai files for a restraining order against Burgin.
The Reality of the Restraining Order
This wasn't just a "we broke up" situation. The court documents Skai filed in May 2025 are harrowing. She accused Burgin of physical violence that had been going on for months. We’re talking about allegations of choking, scratching, and her head being slammed into walls. Basically, she described a six-month period of weekly abuse.
It’s a stark reminder that fame doesn't protect you from domestic violence.
She also claimed he destroyed her property—phones, TVs, the works. The court granted the temporary restraining order because, as an insider told People, the safety of her son Kasai became the only thing that mattered. When you have a kid, the "we can fix this" mentality usually has to die so the child can live in peace.
Why Do Fans Care So Much?
There is a weird sense of collective protection over Skai. Maybe it’s because we saw her grow up. When the news broke that she was with a "YN" (young nigga) with a long rap sheet, the internet was divided. Some were judgmental, saying she "chose" this. Others were deeply empathetic, noting that Skai has been open about having ADHD and the pressures of being a child star.
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The psychology is complex. Sometimes, when you've been "perfect" your whole life in the public eye, you gravitate toward something—or someone—that feels raw and real, even if it’s dangerous.
Where Things Stand in 2026
As we move through 2026, Skai seems to be in a "rebuilding" phase. She’s a single mom now. Her focus has shifted entirely to Kasai and her career. You’ve probably noticed she’s been more active on TikTok again, but the tone is different. It’s less "look at my outfit" and more "never depend on a man for anything."
Burgin, on the other hand, has remained entangled in legal battles. Between the restraining order hearings and his various arrests in Kentucky and Ohio, he’s been largely out of Skai’s daily life, at least publicly.
Lessons from the Skai and Deondre Saga
If there is any "actionable" takeaway from this whole mess, it’s about recognizing the pattern of escalation. Domestic violence rarely starts with a blow; it starts with control, isolation, and "misunderstandings" at theme parks.
- Trust the red flags: If your friends, family, and literally the entire internet are pointing out someone's track record, they might see something you’re too close to notice.
- Documentation is key: Skai’s ability to get a restraining order was likely bolstered by the fact that there were previous police involvements and documented incidents.
- Prioritize the exit: It took a few months after the baby was born for Skai to officially pull the legal trigger. Leaving is a process, not an event.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a situation like the one described in the court filings between Skai and Deondre, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 800-799-7233.
The story of Skai Jackson and her ex isn't a fairy tale, but it is a very real look at the pressures of young motherhood, the traps of toxic relationships, and the difficult road to getting your life back.
Next Steps for You:
Check your own boundaries in your relationships. If you find yourself "downplaying" incidents to friends like Skai’s team initially did, take a step back and look at the facts. You can also follow Skai’s official social channels to see her updates on motherhood and her upcoming acting projects, as she continues to put this chapter behind her.