In a striking turn of events, Jermaine Jackson, former member of the Jackson 5 and brother of the late pop icon Michael Jackson, has been hit with a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault. The plaintiff, Rita Butler Barrett, bravely came forward with her claims of sexual battery, assault, and negligence, stating that she is a survivor of abuse at the hands of Jackson. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, also targets Jermaine L. Jackson Music Productions, Inc. and Work Records, Inc., adding further weight to the allegations.
Barrett, in her complaint, reveals that she had initially crossed paths with Jackson while working as a musician’s contractor. Over time, she asserts that a close personal and familial bond had developed between them, including shared connections with music industry legend Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records. Shockingly, Gordy was also said to be involved romantically and professionally with Barrett’s husband at the time.
According to Barrett, the incident in question took place in the spring of 1988 when Jackson forcefully entered her Los Angeles home unannounced. In a harrowing account, she claims that he proceeded to sexually assault her, leaving her fearing for her life. Barrett states that during the attack, she called out to God, desperately seeking help. Once Jackson was supposedly “satiated,” he left her residence.
In a further disturbing revelation, Barrett asserts that she reported the assault to Berry Gordy the day after the incident occurred. However, she claims that Gordy chose to withhold and conceal this information, thus perpetuating a cover-up of the assault. This alleged inaction not only protected Jackson but also allowed him and others involved in the business relationship to profit from his work and reputation for years to come.
Barrett argues that the alleged cover-up had far-reaching consequences for her. By hiding the evidence and discouraging individuals from speaking out, Jackson and his associates effectively denied her the opportunity to mitigate her damages, seek therapeutic support, and disclose her trauma to others. As a result, she claims to have suffered in silence and shame for decades, and continues to experience significant emotional distress.
It is essential to recognize the profound impact that Barrett’s ordeal has had on her well-being. In addition to emotional distress, she claims to have endured physical pain, emotional anguish, fear, anxiety, humiliation, and embarrassment. These experiences, coupled with both economic and non-economic damages, including permanent disability, have left Barrett with substantial and lasting injuries. Recognizing the severity of the situation, she is now demanding a trial by jury.
Coming forward with allegations of sexual assault can be an incredibly challenging decision for survivors. Rita Butler Barrett’s decision to file this lawsuit against Jermaine Jackson is an act of immense bravery. In doing so, she not only seeks justice for herself but also sends a powerful message that no one is above accountability, regardless of fame or influence.
As the legal process unfolds, the public waits to see how this lawsuit against Jermaine Jackson and the associated entities will progress. The outcome will have significant implications not only for the parties involved but also for the ongoing conversation surrounding sexual assault, survivor rights, and the entertainment industry’s responsibility to address such allegations appropriately.
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