No, Skai Jackson did not go to jail in any lasting sense. The former Disney Channel actress was arrested on August 9, 2024, on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic battery after an incident at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles, but she was released from the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station within about three hours after posting bond, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office later declined to file charges.
What Happened the Night of the Arrest
Security personnel at Universal CityWalk saw Jackson arguing with her boyfriend on the evening of August 9, 2024. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, security watched Jackson push him during the dispute, and deputies who responded reviewed surveillance footage that they said showed her pushing him more than once. Deputies identified Jackson as the primary aggressor and arrested her for misdemeanor spousal battery.1TMZ. Skai Jackson Arrested Fight Boyfriend
Jackson was booked at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station around 6:30 p.m. and released by about 9:30 p.m. after posting a $20,000 bond.2Fox 5 New York. Former Disney Star Skai Jackson Arrested Pushing Boyfriend Both Jackson and her boyfriend told deputies that night that no physical altercation had occurred, despite what the footage appeared to show.1TMZ. Skai Jackson Arrested Fight Boyfriend The boyfriend declined medical attention and, according to the detective assigned to the case, “didn’t deny what had happened, but tried to downplay the incident.”3Fox 7 Austin. Former Disney Star Skai Jackson Arrested Pushing Boyfriend
Why Prosecutors Declined to File Charges
After the case was referred for review, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute. The office cited insufficient evidence, pointing specifically to the fact that the alleged victim had no injuries, refused to cooperate with authorities, and that Jackson had no prior criminal record.4Yahoo Entertainment. Why Disney Star Skai Jackson’s Case Was Rejected
A representative for Jackson said after the decision: “Skai is relieved that the investigation revealed that this was nothing more than a misunderstanding. We appreciate that the DA determined very quickly that there should be no charges of any kind and Skai looks forward to putting this behind her.”5People. Skai Jackson Will Not Be Charged After Domestic Battery Arrest
What She Would Have Faced If Convicted
California Penal Code Section 243(e)(1), the misdemeanor spousal battery statute Jackson was booked under, carries a maximum penalty of one year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000. A court could also have ordered a batterer’s treatment program of at least one year. Because the DA declined to prosecute, none of those penalties applied, and Jackson’s record on this matter ends at the arrest.
What Came Next: Jackson’s Restraining Order Against Her Boyfriend
The boyfriend involved in the 2024 arrest was later identified in court filings as Deondre Burgin. Jackson and Burgin share a son, Kasai, born in January 2025.6Los Angeles Times. Skai Jackson New Baby
On May 19, 2025, Jackson filed for a restraining order against Burgin in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging a months-long pattern of domestic violence that included choking, threats with a knife and a handgun, and an incident in June 2024 in which she said Burgin demanded she drink bleach while she was pregnant.7Los Angeles Times. Skai Jackson Restraining Order Deondre Burgin She also alleged that on Mother’s Day 2025, while she was holding their infant son, Burgin grabbed her by the hair, slammed her head against her car’s backseat window, and punched her in the face.8USA Today. Skai Jackson Restraining Order Child Father Deondre Burgin
The court granted a temporary restraining order requiring Burgin to stay at least 100 yards from Jackson, Kasai, and her home, ordered him to relinquish all firearms and ammunition within 24 hours, and gave Jackson sole legal and physical custody of their son. A hearing on whether to make the order permanent was scheduled for June 9, 2025.8USA Today. Skai Jackson Restraining Order Child Father Deondre Burgin In her filing, Jackson wrote: “I don’t feel safe with my son being around him due to his violent history.”7Los Angeles Times. Skai Jackson Restraining Order Deondre Burgin