Keke Palmer cancels interview with controversial actor after backlash
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Keke Palmer appears to have canceled a scheduled podcast interview with Jonathan Majors following significant public criticism from her fanbase.
The acclaimed actress released her latest “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer” podcast episode featuring rapper Kash Doll, despite social media screenshots indicating that Majors was originally slated for that time slot.
When fans discovered Palmer’s plans to interview Majors, who was recently convicted of assaulting and harassing his former girlfriend Grace Jabbari, they expressed strong disapproval across social media platforms.
Do I agree with Keke Palmer having Jonathan Majors on her platform? No!
But, pulling up a 6 year old interview when she was 25 & spoke positively on R. Kelly is wild; she apologized for it & didn’t know the details.
Meanwhile, some of yall screaming free Tory Lanez today.. pic.twitter.com/AsUAByO5Nb
— Jerome Trammel, M.B.A (@MrJeromeTrammel) April 2, 2025
Critics took to X to voice their concerns, with one user stating “Keke Palmer needs to be held accountable for platforming a serial abuser. I want better for Black women and to stop trying to save Black men who don’t want to be saved.”
Another user emphasized the severity of Majors’ actions, writing “This man was found guilty of assault and harassment. There is AUDIO of him admitting to choking his ex, she was granted a restraining order! Jonathan Majors was well on his way to being one of the greats, he single handily destroyed that. Bad move Keke.”
The criticism intensified as social media users uncovered past footage of Palmer defending R. Kelly, including images of her sitting on the now-convicted singer’s lap.
The white supremacist on Twitter was in a frenzy when the preview dropped of our beloved sister KeKe Palmer’s interview with actor Jonathan Majors. The backlash was loud, swift, and predictable. So loud, in fact, that the highly anticipated interview, originally scheduled to drop… pic.twitter.com/FdICJSwfNA
— IG: RahiemShabazz (@rahiemshabazz) April 9, 2025
The controversy surrounding Majors stems from a December 2023 conviction for assault and harassment following a March 2023 altercation with Jabbari in a New York City car service. While Majors avoided incarceration, he received probation and must complete a year-long domestic violence intervention program.
The situation becomes particularly complex given Palmer’s own recent history with domestic abuse. In November 2023, she accused her former partner Darius Jackson of violent behavior, including property destruction and physical abuse in front of their young son, Leodis. Palmer had initially sought both a restraining order and sole custody, though these legal actions were later withdrawn following mediation.
Neither Palmer nor Wondery, her podcast’s network, have officially addressed the sudden programming change.
For those affected by domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 support at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
