Honestly, it feels like just yesterday we were watching Zuri Ross deliver iconic one-liners on Disney Channel. But the internet nearly lost its mind when the news finally broke. Skai Jackson is a mom. It wasn’t just a rumor or a blurry paparazzi shot this time. She actually did it. In January 2025, Skai officially entered her "motherhood era," and let’s just say, it has been anything but a quiet transition.
If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or X (formerly Twitter) lately, you’ve probably seen the name Kasai popping up. That’s her son. She shared the news with a super low-key photo of his tiny hands, and since then, fans have been hungry for every little detail. Being a former child star is hard enough, but raising a kid while the world watches your every move? That's a whole different beast.
The Arrival of Baby Kasai
So, here’s the breakdown. Skai Jackson welcomed her first child, a son named Kasai, on January 26, 2025. She was 22 at the time.
She kept the pregnancy under wraps for a surprisingly long time given how much she's in the spotlight. When she finally confirmed it to People in late 2024, she sounded genuinely pumped. She talked about "embracing motherhood" and how her heart was full. But behind those polished magazine quotes, things were actually pretty rough.
A Medical Nightmare
Did you know she dealt with Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG)? Most people don’t realize how scary that is. It's the same severe morning sickness Kate Middleton had. Skai later opened up about vomiting up to 40 times a day. She couldn't even keep water down and was in the hospital for IV fluids three times a week.
💡 You might also like: Is Randy Parton Still Alive? What Really Happened to Dolly’s Brother
Imagine trying to film a gritty show like BMF while feeling like you’re literally dying. That’s exactly what she did. She filmed her role as Ashleigh while pregnant and dealing with HG. That is some serious hustle.
Who is the Father?
This is where things get messy. For a long time, Skai kept her "baby daddy" a total mystery. She wouldn't name him in interviews. Eventually, the internet—being the internet—found out it was Deondre Burgin, a digital creator known online as Yerkky Yerkky.
The relationship has been a rollercoaster.
- August 2024: Skai was arrested at Universal CityWalk on suspicion of domestic battery after an argument with him. The DA eventually dropped the charges, calling it a "misunderstanding," but the red flags were there.
- January 2025: While Skai was giving birth, reports surfaced that Deondre was actually in jail in Ohio.
- May 2025: Only a few months after the baby was born, Skai filed for a restraining order against him.
She accused him of domestic violence and claimed he had been "terrorizing" her for over a year. It’s a heavy situation. It really puts a different perspective on those "happy" pregnancy announcements we saw earlier.
📖 Related: Patricia Neal and Gary Cooper: The Affair That Nearly Broke Hollywood
Life as a Single Mom in 2026
Fast forward to right now. Skai is basically raising Kasai as a single mom, much like her own mother, Kiya Cole, raised her.
She’s been very vocal about how her mom is her biggest support system. In recent interviews, Skai mentioned that Kasai is already showing a big personality. Apparently, he has "no patience," just like her. He's also a "people person," which makes sense considering Skai was literally working on sets when she was nine months old.
Balancing the Grind
She hasn't slowed down. If anything, having a kid made her more selective. She’s moved away from the "Disney image" and is taking on much darker, more adult roles.
- She starred in the thriller The Man in the White Van.
- She’s been a standout in BMF.
- She’s been hitting the red carpet at major events like the 2026 Golden Globes and the NAACP Image Awards.
She’s making it clear that her career isn't over just because she has a baby; it’s just evolving. She told BET that every decision she makes now, from acting roles to brand deals, is for him.
👉 See also: What Really Happened With the Death of John Candy: A Legacy of Laughter and Heartbreak
What Most People Get Wrong
People love to judge. Especially when a "Disney kid" grows up and has a child in a complicated situation. The biggest misconception is that she’s "lost her way."
If you actually look at her trajectory, she’s more focused than ever. She’s using her platform to talk about the realities of HG and the importance of domestic violence awareness. She isn't hiding the struggle. She’s living it.
"I feel like now I can just do anything. Being a mom and juggling everything is one of the hardest jobs, but it’s the most rewarding because I’m doing it for him." — Skai Jackson
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following Skai's journey or find yourself in a similar spot, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Prioritize Health: If you or someone you know is dealing with extreme pregnancy sickness, look into Hyperemesis Gravidarum resources. It’s not "just morning sickness" and requires medical intervention.
- Know Your Rights: Skai’s situation with her ex highlights how important it is to seek legal protection if you feel unsafe. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is always an option.
- Career Evolution: Don't let a life change stop your momentum. Skai used motherhood to pivot into more mature, fulfilling work.
- Support Systems: Lean on your "village." Whether it's a parent, a best friend, or a professional network, you can't do it all alone.
Skai Jackson is no longer the little girl from Jessie. She’s a 23-year-old woman navigating a career, a high-profile breakup, and a toddler named Kasai. It’s messy, it’s real, and honestly, it’s a lot more relatable than the "perfect" celebrity lives we usually see on Instagram.
Next Steps for You: You can follow Skai's official Instagram for the occasional update on Kasai or check out her latest episodes on BMF to see how she's handling her transition into more mature acting roles.