Jermaine Jackson faces allegations of sexual assault, as detailed in a lawsuit filed on Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court by Rita Butler Barrett. The legal documents obtained by PEOPLE outline charges including sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual battery, negligence, and rape against the 69-year-old Jackson. Co-defendants named in the lawsuit are Jermaine L. Jackson Music Productions, Inc. and Work Records, Inc.
Despite requests for comment on the allegations, a representative for Jackson has not responded.
Barrett claims to have had a professional and personal connection with Jackson for several years before the alleged incident, citing her husband’s close collaboration with Berry Gordy, whom she believes had a business or management relationship with Jackson at the time. The lawsuit states that Jackson, unannounced, entered Barrett’s home around the spring of 1988, forcefully assaulted her, and departed when satisfied.
Jermaine Jackson (Credits: PEOPLE Magazine)
The papers describe Barrett’s harrowing experience during the assault, where she prayed for help and feared for her life. She reported the incident to Gordy the next day, alleging that he concealed and withheld the acts, enabling Gordy, Jackson, and others in their business relationship to profit from Jackson’s work for years.
Barrett asserts a cover-up was orchestrated to safeguard reputations and profits by preventing the disclosure of information related to the abuse. According to the lawsuit, she has endured severe emotional, physical, and psychological injuries, including humiliation, shame, guilt, economic loss, reduced economic capacity, and lasting emotional distress.
Jermaine Jackson, known for his prominence in The Jackson 5, now faces these serious allegations. Attorney Jeff Anderson, representing Barrett, emphasizes that his client experienced a violent sexual assault and is now standing up for herself and others. He states that Barrett’s actions are driven by her newfound strength and support, declaring her power in seeking legal redress for the alleged wrongdoing.
