In a shocking development, Jermaine Jackson, famed member of The Jackson 5, is facing serious allegations of sexual assault dating back to the spring of 1988. The accusations have been brought forth by Rita Butler Barrett in a lawsuit filed on Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The suit alleges a disturbing incident in which Jackson, now 69, is accused of sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual battery, negligence, and rape.
The Allegations: According to the lawsuit obtained by The Post, Barrett claims that the alleged assault took place in her home in 1988. She asserts that Jackson forced his way into her residence, sexually assaulted her with “force and violence,” and left once he was “satiated.” The lawsuit goes on to describe a harrowing account of the assault, revealing that Barrett, a woman of faith, prayed for help during the incident and feared for her life.
Background and Relationship: Barrett reveals that she had known Jackson for years prior to the alleged assault, as her husband, Ben Barrett, worked with Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. She believes that Gordy and Jackson were in a business and/or management relationship at the time. The lawsuit claims that Barrett reported the alleged assault to Gordy the day after it occurred, but Gordy allegedly “withheld and concealed the acts” to protect the business relationships involved.
Financial Motives: Barrett accuses Gordy of intentionally concealing the alleged assault to “prevent disclosure of information relating to the abuse for the purpose of profit and preservation of reputation.” She contends that this concealment allowed Jackson and others involved in the business relationship to continue profiting from Jackson’s career “for years to come.”
Legal Proceedings: Jermaine L. Jackson Music Productions, Inc. and Work Records, Inc. are also named as co-defendants in the lawsuit. The legal implications extend beyond Jermaine Jackson himself, potentially involving entities associated with his music career. The Post has reached out to representatives for Jackson for comment, but as of now, there has been no response.
Impact on the Plaintiff: The lawsuit emphasizes the severe emotional, physical, and psychological injuries suffered by Barrett, including humiliation, shame, guilt, economic loss, economic capacity, and permanent emotional distress. These claims underscore the profound and lasting impact that such incidents can have on survivors.
Jermaine Jackson’s Career: Jermaine Jackson rose to fame alongside his brothers in The Jackson 5 in 1969, producing iconic Motown hits. He later enjoyed a successful solo career in the 1970s and ’80s with chart-topping hits like “Daddy’s Home” and “Let’s Get Serious.”
Conclusion: As the legal proceedings unfold, these allegations against Jermaine Jackson have the potential to reshape public perceptions of the iconic musician. The severity of the accusations and the involvement of influential figures in the music industry add layers of complexity to this unfolding story. As the public awaits further developments, the impact on Jermaine Jackson’s reputation and career remains uncertain.