Jermaine Jackson has been sued for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman named Rita Butler Barrett in Los Angeles in 1988.
The civil lawsuit for sexual battery, battery, sexual assault and negligence was filed by Barrett on Wednesday and obtained by Page Six on Thursday.
Barrett is also suing Jermaine L. Jackson Music Productions, Inc. and Work Records, Inc.
In her complaint, Barrett describes herself as “a survivor of sexual abuse, sexual battery, sexual assault, harassment and rape at the hands of” the former Jackson 5 member.
Barrett claims she came to know Jackson, now 69, when she worked as a musician’s contractor. Additionally, she claims the two had mutual “close personal/familial connections,” including Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, who was purportedly “simultaneously in a personal and business relationship” with Barrett’s husband.
According to Barrett, Jackson allegedly “forced himself” into her LA home after arriving unannounced in or around the spring of 1988.
“With force and violence,” he allegedly proceeded to sexually assault her, according to her filing. During the alleged attack, Barrett claims she “prayed to God for help” as she “feared for her life.”
When Jackson was allegedly “satiated,” Barrett claims he left her residence.
The following day, she claims she “reported the assault” to Gordy, now 94, who allegedly “withheld and concealed the acts, further perpetuating the coverup.”
Barrett believes Gordy’s alleged inaction allowed him, Jackson and “others in the business relationship to continue to reap profits derived from [Jackson’s] work and reputation for years to come.”
Barrett notes that Motown Records was “sold for great profit” that June.
In her filing, Barrett claims Jackson “engaged and affirmatively participated in a conspiracy to cover up or prevent disclosure of information relating to the abuse,” which allegedly “consisted of a concerted effort to hide evidence relating to sexual assault that incentivized individuals to remain silent or prevent information relating to a sexual assault from becoming public or being disclosed to [Barrett].”
According to Barrett, the alleged coverup denied her “the ability to mitigate her damages, obtain therapeutic support and disclose the trauma to others.”
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She believes Jackson’s alleged behavior was “oppressive,” “malicious,” “manipulative” and “despicable in that it was intentional.”
She claims she was “forced to suffer in silence and shame for decades,” adding that she “continues to suffer great emotional distress.”
In addition to emotional distress, Barrett claims she has suffered “physical pain, emotional anguish, fear, anxiety, humiliation [and] embarrassment,” in addition to “damages (both economic and noneconomic)” and “permanent disability.”
She claims her injuries are “substantial, continuing and permanent,” and she is demanding a trial by jury.
Reps for Jackson and Gordy did not immediately respond to Page Six’s requests for comment.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
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