Jermaine Jackson sued for sexual assault over alleged 1988 incident
Jackson 5 member Jermaine Jackson has been accused of sexual assault relating to an alleged incident in 1988.
Michael Jackson’s older brother is at the centre of the suit filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court on December 27th by plaintiff Rita Barrett. In addition to naming Jackson, his companies Jermaine L. Jackson Music Productions and Work Records have also been listed as defendants in the case.
According to a lawsuit obtained by Rolling Stone, Barrett claims Jackson assaulted her in her home after making an unannounced visit. She alleges they met through her work in the industry as a music instructor, and also claims Motown Records founder Berry Gordy helped bring them in contact. She states she stayed close with Gordy because of his relationship with her husband Ben Barrett.
The suit claims: “Defendant Jackson forced himself into Plaintiff’s home, and with force and violence sexually assaulted Plaintiff. 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.”
Jackson has been accused of committing sexual assault, battery, sexual battery, and negligence. Barrett is seeking unspecified damages in the suit.
The lawsuit also alleges that Barrett informed Gordy of the incident a day after it occurred, claiming he “was uniquely situated to both report Defendant Jackson’s acts and to aid Plaintiff during her time of trauma.”
The filing continues: “Instead. 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.”
Barrett’s lawsuit has been filed through California’s AB2777 which temporarily removes the statute of limitations on a selection of civil claims relating to sexual misconduct allegations.
Jackson is yet to comment on the alleged incident.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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