This summarized report highlights allegations of sexual assault against Jermaine Jackson (the older brother of Michael Jackson) in 1988, detailing the accusations made by Rita Butler Barrett and the subsequent legal actions. It emphasizes the significance of California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act in addressing cases beyond the statute of limitations.
A woman, Rita Butler Barrett, filed a lawsuit against Jermaine Jackson, alleging that he sexually assaulted her in 1988 and conspired to cover it up to protect his reputation and profits.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, accused Jermaine Jackson, the older brother of Michael Jackson, of raping and sexually assaulting Rita Butler Barrett in the spring of 1988. Barrett claimed that Jackson, along with others, conspired to keep the assault quiet to safeguard their reputations and financial gains.
Barrett mentioned knowing Jackson through her husband’s connections with Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records. She alleged that Jackson forcefully entered her home and sexually assaulted her, causing her severe distress and fear for her life during the attack. Barrett reported the assault to Gordy the next day, but according to the lawsuit, Gordy did nothing to report it and instead contributed to covering it up.
The lawsuit accuses Jackson and his associated businesses of sexual battery, assault, and negligence. It claims that while the world remained unaware of the alleged assault, Barrett suffered in silence for decades, experiencing emotional distress, fear, anxiety, humiliation, and other injuries.
Barrett seeks general damages to be determined at trial. This lawsuit falls under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, allowing suits in sexual assault cases beyond the statute of limitations if a cover-up is involved.
This accusation has led to repercussions for Jermaine Jackson. His management agency announced they would part ways with him due to a zero-tolerance policy regarding such allegations.
Jermaine Jackson has not yet responded to these allegations.
This lawsuit follows similar cases filed under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, allowing revival of certain sexual abuse claims beyond the statute of limitations.