Jermaine Jackson Ordered to Pay $6.5 Million in Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Jermaine Jackson has been ordered to pay more than $6.5 million to a woman who accused him of rape and sexual assault in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles.

According to court documents filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, the former Jackson 5 singer was hit with a default judgment in favor of Rita Butler Barrett, who sued him in December 2023.

Barrett alleged that Jackson sexually assaulted her in 1988 after forcing his way into her home. In the lawsuit, she said she feared for her life during the attack.

She said she had known Jackson for years through family and professional ties. Her husband, Ben Barrett, worked with Motown founder Berry Gordy, whose label signed the Jackson 5. Jackson was married to Gordy’s daughter, Hazel Gordy, at the time, though the couple had separated before the alleged assault.

Barrett also claimed she reported the incident to Gordy the next day, but said the allegations were concealed to protect Jackson’s career at Motown.

The lawsuit stated that Barrett suffered long-term emotional, physical and psychological harm, including shame, emotional distress and financial losses.

Her attorney, Jeff Anderson, said the judgment represents Barrett “standing up for herself and others.”

Jackson, who later had a successful solo career, is best known for songs including “Daddy’s Home” and “Let’s Get Serious.” His last major chart success came in 1989 with “Don’t Take It Personal,” which topped the R&B singles chart.