Former Disney Channel star Skai Jackson has been arrested after reports of a "domestic incident" at a US theme park. The 22-year-old actress is best known for playing Zuri Ross in the sitcom Jessie which ran from 2011-2015.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed she was arrested on Friday afternoon for "spousal battery" at Universal Studios in Hollywood. Skai Jackson's representatives have been contacted for comment. A spokesperson for the Sheriff's Department said Miss Jackson was taken to a police station in West Hollywood for booking.
Police say she was involved in a "domestic incident" and that she was the "primary aggressor". "The investigation is ongoing and will be sent to the Van Nuys Superior Court House for filing," they added.
Skai Jackson was nine when she was cast as Zuri and later reprised the role for the first three seasons of spin-off show Bunk'd. The New York-born actress has also appeared in Marvel Rising and the 2023 films Sheroes and The Man In The White Van.
Jackson's Arrest and the Allegations
According to reports, Jackson was involved in a physical altercation with her boyfriend at Universal Studios Hollywood. The incident allegedly occurred at the theme park, which is adjacent to the Universal CityWalk dining and shopping district.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department stated that security personnel at Universal Studios observed Jackson and her boyfriend engaging in a physical altercation. Based on their initial investigation, they determined that Jackson was the primary aggressor and arrested her for misdemeanor spousal battery.
Jackson's Response and the Investigation's Status
Jackson has not publicly commented on the incident. However, she has remained active on social media. On August 11, she posted a photo on Instagram from the Variety Power of Young Hollywood event, which took place on August 8. The caption read, "Thank you @variety."
The Sheriff's Department has stated that the investigation into Jackson's misdemeanor is ongoing and will be sent to the Van Nuys Superior Court House in Los Angeles for filing. The details of the incident are still under review.
Jackson's Career and Personal Life
Jackson is best known for her role as Zuri Ross on the Disney show Jessie, as well as its spin-off Bunk'd. She also appeared on season 29 of Dancing With the Stars in 2020, where she placed fifth. Despite Jessie wrapping in 2015, Jackson and the cast remain in contact whenever possible. In an April interview, she shared, “I feel like we're all living different types of lives. A lot of us don't even live in the same state so it's hard to see each other. But they're doing so many amazing, great things that I'm really proud of them. We definitely check up on each other.” Jackson has also spoken about her positive experience growing up on the show, stating, “I had a great experience. I got to learn a lot being in the industry at a young age, being able to have opportunities I feel like probably the average kid wouldn't be able to.”
Aftermath and Public Reactions
News of Jackson's arrest and the alleged incident has sparked discussion and reactions on social media. Many users have expressed shock and disbelief, particularly given Jackson's young age and past image as a wholesome Disney star. Some have expressed concern about the impact of the incident on her career and public image, while others have voiced their support for Jackson and emphasized the need for a fair trial and due process.
A Look Back at Jackson's Past Controversies
Since her time as a Disney child star ended, Jackson has been involved in several controversies. In 2014, she was embroiled in a very public fallout with her Jessie costar, Debbie Ryan. At the time, a fan disclosed that Jackson was posting several unsettling messages about Ryan on a private account. The fan reached out to Ryan privately and told her that Jackson was spreading rumors that she “did drugs,” which left her furious. When she found out, Ryan responded with a scathing post, branding Jackson as “insecure,” “bitter,” and “unprofessional.”
Jackson also got into an online beef with Bhad Bhabie after she confessed that she wanted to date the “Gucci Flip Flops” rapper's ex-boyfriend. The actress ended up filing for a restraining order against Bhad Bhabie, claiming she was afraid to leave her home alone due to being threatened. In the court documents obtained by E! News, Jackson said that “the harassment has caused me to be fearful of leaving my house by myself, and lack of sleep.”
Jackson also came under fire last year when she decided to host a raffle draw for her followers and charged an entry fee that some thought was too high. She was accused of “scamming” her followers and using the money for herself, but Jackson has since denied the allegations.
Conclusion: Moving Forward
The incident at Universal Studios Hollywood has cast a spotlight on Skai Jackson, once a beloved Disney Channel star. As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what impact it will have on Jackson's career. Only time will tell how the legal proceedings and public sentiment will shape Jackson's future. Regardless of the outcome, it is important to remember that everyone deserves a fair trial and due process, and that public opinion should not be allowed to overshadow the legal process.
