Jermaine Jackson has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman more than 30 years ago in a new lawsuit.
PEOPLE reports that Jackson, known as the second lead singer of The Jackson 5 behind his famous brother, Michael Jackson, was named as Rita Butler Barrett’s abuser in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Wednesday, December 27. Butler Barrett accuses Jackson of sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual assault, neglect and rape. Jermaine L. Jackson Music Productions, Inc. and Work Records, Inc. were also listed as co-defendants with Jackson.
In legal documents, Barrett claims she knew Jackson for several years before he allegedly assaulted her. Her husband, Ben Barrett, worked closely with Berry Gordy, who she believes was also “in a business and/or management relationship” with Jackson at the time.
At the time of the alleged incident, Jermaine Jackson arrived at Barrett’s home unannounced. He then allegedly forced himself into the house. Barrett says he then sexually assaulted her with “force and violence” and then left her when he was “satisfied.”
“During the assault, the plaintiff, a woman of faith, prayed to God for help,” the legal documents revealed. “During the attack, the plaintiff feared for her life.”
Barrett also said he reported the incident to Gordy the next day. However, he accused Gordy of withholding and concealing the acts. He claimed that by doing this, Gordy, as well as Jackson and “others in the business relationship” were able to profit from Jackson’s work “for years to come.”
Alleged Jermaine Jackson assault victim says cover-up was done to ‘prevent disclosure of information’ related to abuse
Also in legal documents, Barrett alleged that there was a cover-up to “prevent the disclosure of information related to the abuse” for profit and preservation of Jermaine Jackson’s reputation.
Barrett claims that she has suffered severe emotional, physical and psychological harm, including humiliation, shame, guilt, financial loss, financial capacity and ongoing emotional distress following the incident with Jackson.
Barrett’s attorney, Jeff Anderson, also issued a statement. He said his client “suffered an egregious and violent sexual assault” at the hands of Jermaine Jackson.
“It’s about his power and his declaration when he knew something could be done according to the law,” the statement read. “And she found the strength and support to find us and now she stands up for herself and others.”
Jermaine Jackson has not commented on the situation.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn