Jermaine Jackson, co-founder of the Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson’s older brother, is required to pay $6.5 million to Rita Barrett after failing to respond to a rape lawsuit. Filed in 2023, the lawsuit alleges that Jackson raped Barrett in 1988, according to TMZ and confirmed by court records.
Legal Proceedings
Barrett accused Jackson of breaking into her residence and committing the assault. Despite efforts, her legal team could not locate Jackson but eventually gained court permission to serve him notice via the Los Angeles Times. Jackson's non-response led Barrett's lawyers to file a 95-page document for a default judgment, granted on May 14. Additionally, Jackson is to cover Barrett's legal fees amounting to $7,131.84.
Background of the Allegations
Barrett, a musician’s contractor, stated she had known Jackson for several years prior to the alleged incident. The lawsuit also implicates Motown founder Berry Gordy in covering up the event, although he is not a defendant in the case.
Legal Framework
The civil lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court under California's Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act. This act temporarily removes the statute of limitations for certain sexual misconduct claims, allowing Barrett to pursue legal action decades after the alleged incident.
Public Appearances
Despite ignoring Barrett's lawsuit, Jackson attended the premiere of the Michael biopic in Hollywood last month. Attempts to contact representatives for both Barrett and Jackson for comments have been made by Pitchfork.
Source: https://pitchfork.com/news/jermaine-jackson-told-to-pay-6-5-million-dollars-after-failing-to-contest-rape-lawsuit/
