Chelsea entered the weekend as leaders, having played more games than their title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, and with an unbeaten record in London derbies this term.
The Blues beat Arsenal 6-0 last weekend for a sixth capital success of the season, but in their 10th London derby a John Terry own goal saw Palace claim a 1-0 win for a first league victory over Chelsea in nearly 24 years.
It was the Blues' second successive away loss following the controversial defeat at Aston Villa, which left Mourinho questioning referee Chris Foy's performance.
Own goal: Chelsea captain John Terry heads the ball over goalkeeper Petr Cech to put into his own net
Despair: Crystal Palace wideman Jason Puncheon (left) celebrates as Terry holds his head in his hands
All smiles: Crystal Palace players celebrate Terry's own goal as supporters go wild in the stands
Not impressed: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has words with a Crystal Palace ball boy in the final few minutes
Both might have been given in other circumstances, but Palace, who were organised, resilient and dangerous on the counter-attack, put the incidents behind them to earn victory.
Tony Pulis' men had chances before and after Terry rose above Joe Ledley to divert Joel Ward's cross into his own net early in the second half.
Bolasie - and Andre Schurrle at the other end - were unable to convert menacing crosses, while Jerome hit a post.
Julian Speroni twice denied Eden Hazard, the second a stunning save when the Belgium forward was through one-on-one, as Palace ended a five-match winless streak with a much-needed victory.
Mourinho had cause to speak to a ball-boy in stoppage time after feeling the ball was being returned slowly as his side slipped to defeat ahead of Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg at Paris St Germain.
The ball-boy incident showed Mourinho's frustrations as his Chelsea side were second best throughout in front of a raucous Eagles support.
Calmed down: Chelsea manager Mourinho puts his arm around the Crystal Palace youngster
Walking away: Palace fans shout and point at Mourinho following his exchange with the ball boy
Helping hand: Mourinho helps a dejected Gary Cahill onto his feet following Chelsea's shock defeat
Error: Cech speaks with Terry at the full-time whistle after the defender's own goal lead to Chelsea's defeat
Bolasie and Jason Puncheon made life difficult for Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta, whose fine cross might have resulted in the opener.
The Spain full-back made an overlapping run and drilled a low cross into the six-yard box, but a fine Ward interception saw Schurrle beaten to the ball.
A goal kick followed as a first-half decision went Palace's way.
Chelsea struggled to unlock the Palace defence and repeatedly looked to Fernando Torres early, only for the hosts to crowd out the striker.
Bolasie dragged a shot wide before missing a glorious opportunity after neat interplay on the right by Adrian Mariappa and Puncheon.
Palace had two legitimate penalty claims in quick succession denied by Mason.
Committed: Chelsea's David Luiz (right) and Palace wideman Yannick Bolasie battle for possession
Acrobatics: Chelsea striker Fernando Torres bends over backwards to get to the ball ahead of Scott Dann
Strike: Chelsea's Andre Schurrle attempts to fire a shot on target through a group of Palace bodies
Flying high: Chelsea frontman Eden Hazard climbs highest to beat Kagisho Dikcagoi to the ball in the air
The Palace onslaught continued as Terry brought down Ledley cynically, while also handling the ball, to concede a free-kick and receive a yellow card, but Mile Jedinak's shot was comfortably saved by Petr Cech.
Chelsea, in need of invention, replaced David Luiz with Oscar at half-time, but it was Palace who resumed on the attack and, after Jerome was unable to direct a header from a Bolasie cross on goal, the hosts scored.
The overlapping Ward crossed from the Palace left and Terry climbed above Ledley, only to head into his own net.
Middle men: Chelsea's Nemanja Matic (left) battles for the ball with Crystal Palace's Kagisho Dikcagoi
Restart: Fernando Torres and Oscar look dejected as they line up to kick off after Palace took the lead
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