Skai Jackson, the beloved former Disney Channel star, is embarking on an exciting new chapter in her life—motherhood. At 22, the actress has revealed she is expecting her first child with her boyfriend, whose identity remains private. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Skai shared her joy, saying, “I’m thrilled to begin this new chapter in my life — embracing motherhood and diving into new acting projects. My heart is so full!”
This announcement marks a significant milestone for the actress, best known for her roles in Jessie and its spinoff Bunk’d. Alongside preparing for motherhood, Skai continues to thrive professionally, with her latest film, The Man in the White Van, set to premiere in December.
A Look Into Skai Jackson’s Journey
Embracing Motherhood
As Skai prepares to welcome her first child, she reflects on her relationship with her own mother, Kiya Cole, who played a pivotal role in shaping her values and confidence. Raised by Kiya as a single mother, Skai credits her mom for instilling resilience and self-assurance.
“[My mom] always taught me to stand up for myself, stand up for what I believe in, and fight for what is right,” Skai said in a previous interview with PEOPLE. “Without her, I probably wouldn’t have a lot of the confidence that I do now.”
As she transitions into motherhood, Skai aims to mirror the same strength and positivity her mother displayed while raising her.
A Hollywood Career on the Rise
While embracing her personal milestones, Skai remains committed to her flourishing acting career. She recently attended Comic-Con to promote The Man in the White Van, a gripping thriller set to release in theaters on December 13. Fans are excited to see her bring another compelling character to life on the big screen.
Beyond acting, Skai has also made waves in the literary world with her book, Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback, which offers insights into her life journey and encourages readers to chase their dreams.
Controversies Surrounding Skai Jackson’s Pregnancy
The joyous news of Skai’s pregnancy has not been without its share of drama. Her boyfriend, Deondre Burgin, also known as Yerkky Yerkky on social media, stirred controversy with inflammatory comments allegedly made on Facebook. In a since-deleted post, he reportedly expressed negative sentiments about the pregnancy.
Skai and her mother were quick to defend him, claiming his account had been hacked. Skai responded to the rumors directly, writing, “His page was hacked! He never said this. End of story.”
Adding to the turmoil, Burgin faced backlash for dismissive comments about Skai’s late co-star, Cameron Boyce, who tragically passed away in 2019 due to a seizure. Shortly after these incidents, Burgin was arrested in Cincinnati, Ohio, on a juvenile parole violation.
Past Legal Troubles
This isn’t the first time Skai and Burgin have made headlines for controversial reasons. In August 2024, Skai was arrested for alleged domestic violence following a reported altercation at Universal CityWalk. Both Skai and Burgin denied any physical altercation, stating they were happily engaged and addressing the situation as a misunderstanding.
Despite these challenges, Skai remains focused on her personal and professional growth, striving to keep her life’s narrative positive and inspiring.
Conclusion
Skai Jackson’s journey from Disney star to expectant mother showcases her resilience and ability to navigate life’s challenges with grace. Despite public scrutiny and personal hardships, she remains an inspiration to her fans, proving that one can thrive amid change. As Skai steps into this new chapter, her supporters eagerly anticipate both her parenting journey and her continued contributions to Hollywood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skai Jackson
1. Who is Skai Jackson’s baby daddy?
Skai Jackson’s boyfriend, Deondre Burgin (known as Yerkky Yerkky), is believed to be the father of her baby. However, Skai has chosen not to publicly confirm his identity.
2. What are Skai Jackson’s recent professional achievements?
Skai stars in the upcoming film The Man in the White Van, set to release on December 13. She also continues to inspire through her book and public appearances.
3. How has Skai Jackson addressed controversies involving her boyfriend?
Skai defended her boyfriend against accusations, claiming his social media was hacked. She also addressed concerns raised by his past remarks, urging fans to avoid negativity.
4. What is Skai Jackson’s relationship with her mother?
Skai shares a close bond with her mother, Kiya Cole, who raised her as a single parent. Kiya’s guidance has been a source of strength and confidence for Skai throughout her life.
5. How is Skai balancing motherhood and her career?
Skai is excited to embrace motherhood while continuing her acting projects. She views this as a time to grow both personally and professionally.