Jermaine Jackson faces sexual harassment charges in new lawsuit

Jermaine Jackson has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman named Rita Butler Barrett on Wednesday, December 27, 2023.

According to PEOPLE, the lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court where Jackson is alleged of sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual battery, negligence and rape.

Jermaine L. Jackson Music Productions, Inc. and Work Records, Inc. are also stakeholders of the case alongside the 69-year-old singer.

Barrett claims to have known Jackson for several years before the alleged misconducts took place influenced by "professional and personal connections."

The lawsuit also mentioned that the victim’s husband, Ben Barrett, worked closely with Berry Gordy, who was "in a business and/or management relationship" with Jackson at the time of the alleged assault.

Barrett claims she reported the incident to Gordy the following day, alleging that he "withheld and concealed the acts."

She emphasized that by covering up the incident, Gordy, Jackson, and "others in the business relationship" generated revenue from Jackson's work "for years to come."

Justifying her allegations further, the lawsuit also stated that the cover-up was an attempt to "prevent disclosure of information relating to the abuse for the purpose of profit and preservation of reputation."

The I Want You Back singer is alleged of arriving at Barrett's house forcibly and unannounced back in 1988. She further claims he sexually assaulted her within the vicinity of her home using "force and violence" and left when he was "satiated."

"During the assault, Plaintiff, a woman of faith prayed to God for help. During the assault, Plaintiff feared for her life," the lawsuit further read.

The lawsuit states that Barrett has "suffered severe emotional, physical, and psychological injury, including humiliation, shame, guilt, economic loss, economic capacity, and permanent emotional distress" after her interaction with Jackson.

About The Jacksons:

The Jacksons formerly known as The Jackson 5 were an American pop band founded in 1964.

They sold 100 million records worldwide and have a star by the name of The Jacksons in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The band was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.