Jermaine Jackson, the eldest brother of the late Michael Jackson and a founding member of the legendary Jackson 5, faces a sexual assault lawsuit alleging an incident from the late 1980s. Rolling Stone obtained the lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles on Wednesday, December 28, 2023.
The plaintiff, Rita Barrett, details an encounter with Jackson at her home where she claims he “forced himself into Plaintiff’s home, and with force and violence sexually assaulted Plaintiff.” The suit details Barrett’s alleged fear for her life during the assault and emphasizes the emotional trauma she continues to experience.
Barrett met Jackson through her work as a music contractor and her connection to Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, according to the lawsuit. While specific dates and locations remain undisclosed, the legal document alleges the assault occurred at Barrett’s residence.
News of the lawsuit comes amid a series of high-profile sexual assault allegations against prominent figures in the entertainment industry. The Jackson family has a complex history with such accusations, with Michael Jackson facing multiple allegations throughout his career, all of which he denied.
Jermaine Jackson, 78, has not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit. His representatives have not issued a statement, and legal proceedings are expected to begin in the coming months.
