Jermaine Jackson Sued By Former Employee For Alleged Assault & Battery In New Lawsuit

Jermaine Jackson is being sued for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in 1988.

The lawsuit, filed on December 27 by Rita Butler Barrett, charges Jackson with sexual battery, battery, sexual assault and negligence.

In addition to suing Jermaine himself, Barrett is also suing his company, Jermaine L. Jackson Music Productions, and Work Records Inc. 

Barrett alleges that Jackson showed up at her house unannounced and then assaulted her. She claims that she met Jackson through her work as a music contractor.  

“Defendant Jackson forced himself into Plaintiff’s home, and with force and violence sexually assaulted Plaintiff,” the suit stated. “During the assault, Plaintiff, a woman of faith prayed to God for help. During the assault, Plaintiff feared for her life. After the assault and when Defendant Jackson was satiated, he left the residence.”

Motown founder Berry Gordy is also cited in the lawsuit, as Barrett claims that Gordy protected Jermaine for financial reasons.

“Mr. Gordy withheld and concealed the acts, further perpetuating the coverup and allowing Mr. Gordy, Defendant Jackson, and others in the business relationship to continue to reap profits derived from Mr. Jackson’s work and reputation for years to come,” the suit alleges. 

The suit was filed using California’s new sexual assault law, known as AB2777. Similar to New York’s Adult Survivors Acts, it temporarily suspends the statute of limitations on civil claims related to sexual misconduct. 

Both laws have led to a wave of sexual abuse lawsuits that have hit the music and entertainment industries, including suits filed against Vin Diesel, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Axl Rose.

Last month, Combs angrily responded after four women have come forward to accuse him of sexual assault.