Jermaine Jackson Challenges $6.5M Rape Judgment
Jermaine Jackson rape lawsuit update
Jermaine Jackson is officially seeking to have a $6.5 million default judgment against him vacated, contending that he was “erroneously sued” in a high-profile sexual assault case. The legal battle stems from a 2023 complaint filed by Rita Butler Barrett, who alleges that the former Jackson 5 member broke into her home in 1988 and sexually assaulted her with force.
The original $6.5 million judgment was issued by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge in mid-May 2026 after Jackson failed to participate in the proceedings. During the lead-up to that ruling, the court had previously granted the plaintiff’s request to perform “service by publication” after her legal team reported being unable to locate Jackson at several residences, including the famous Jackson family compound in Encino. Jackson’s current attempt to overturn the decision marks a significant development in a case that has highlighted the application of California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act to historical allegations within the music industry.
In her initial filing, Barrett—who worked as a music industry contractor and had professional ties to Motown founder Berry Gordy—claimed she reported the alleged incident to Gordy shortly after it occurred. The lawsuit further alleges that the music mogul concealed the incident to protect Jackson’s career and the commercial interests of Motown Records. Representatives for Gordy have vehemently denied these assertions, characterizing them as false and noting that Gordy is not a named defendant in the litigation. As the legal proceedings move forward, you can find detailed coverage on the latest court filings and developments here.
