**Jermaine Jackson Seeks to Overturn $6.5 Million Default Judgement in Sexual Assault Case**
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Former Jackson 5 member Jermaine Jackson has filed a motion to dismiss a default judgment against him, ordering him to pay $6.5 million to Rita Butler Barrett, who accused him of sexually assaulting her in 1988. The judgment was issued following Jackson’s failure to respond to Barrett’s lawsuit, which was initially filed in December 2023.
In documents submitted to the court on 3 June, Jackson, aged 71, asserted that he had been improperly named in the lawsuit. He claimed that he was listed as “Jermaine Jackson” instead of his legal name, “Jermaine LaJuane Jacksun,” a change he enacted in 2013. Jackson vehemently denied the allegations levied against him, which he described as erroneous.
Rita Butler Barrett’s original complaint detailed a harrowing encounter in which she alleged that Jackson entered her home without permission and subjected her to violent sexual assault. Barrett contended that she knew Jackson through her late husband, who had ties to Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, and she alleged that after the incident, Gordy and others attempted to suppress the truth to protect Jackson’s career.
The legal turmoil for Jackson escalated when Barrett’s legal team argued that his lack of response amounted to an admission of the allegations. According to Barrett’s memorandum submitted to the court, a defendant’s default is equated to a consent to the relief sought by the plaintiff, making it difficult for Jackson to contest the claims against him.
Jackson’s legal representation has sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding the default judgement, asserting that he was not adequately informed of the lawsuit. Documentation of the attempts made by Barrett’s lawyers to reach Jackson has been provided, including a summons published in the Los Angeles Times over several weeks in late 2025.
In the aftermath of the alleged incident, Barrett stated in her lawsuit that she reported the assault to Gordy, claiming there was a broader effort to cover it up, suggesting that it was motivated by profit and a desire to maintain reputations within the entertainment industry. Barrett alleged that the experience left her with enduring emotional, physical, and psychological scars, including distress, loss of income, and a diminished quality of life.
Berry Gordy’s attorney, Christopher Frost, responded vigorously to Barrett’s accusations, categorically rejecting them as false. Frost pointed out that Barrett did not sue Gordy and claimed that her assertions amounted to unfounded allegations. He emphasised the difficulties within the legal system that allow individuals to file lawsuits alleging various claims, thereby drawing others into the narrative without the opportunity for a legal rebuttal.
As the case unfolds, the litigation continues to attract significant public interest, reflecting how allegations of sexual assault can generate intense scrutiny in both legal and media arenas. Barrett is advocating for the full amount of damages requested in her lawsuit, maintaining that Jackson was rightfully served and that his failure to engage in the legal proceedings corroborates her claims.
This case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct within the entertainment industry and raises questions about accountability, justice, and the significance of legal representation. As both parties prepare for the legal battle ahead, the implications of this case could reverberate far beyond the courtroom.
For those affected by similar experiences, support is available through resources such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or via their website at rainn.org.