Jackson 5’s Jermaine Jackson Sued For Alleged Sexual Assault

Jermaine Jackson, the singer, songwriter, and member of the Jackson 5 is being sued for alleged sexual assault. Rita Barrett claims that Jackson allegedly sexually assaulted her in 1988. According to Stereogum, Barrett filed a lawsuit at the Los Angeles Superior Court on December 27. She is also suing Jermaine L. Jackson Music Productions, Inc. and Work Records, Inc. on the claims of alleged sexual battery, alleged battery, alleged sexual assault and alleged negligence. Barrett and her husband, Ben Barrett, have friendly and business relations with Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy. 

In 1988, Jackson was with the label, Motown Records, when the rest of the Jackson 5 had already left. Jackson was married to Hazel Gordy, but they were divorced the same year allegedly due to his infidelity.

According to the lawsuit, Barrett claims that Jackson showed up to her home in the spring of 1988, unannounced and allegedly forced his way inside. The lawsuit claims he then allegedly sexually assaulted her, describing the experience as violent and fearful. The suit also claims that Barrett reported the alleged assault to Gordy, who was connected to Jackson through Motown Records and were in-laws at the time. Allegedly, Gordy supported Jackson and allegedly helped in allegedly concealing and allegedly covering up the alleged sexual abuse, in lieu of helping Barrett.  

It was confirmed earlier this year that the son of Jermaine Jackson, Jaafar Jackson, would play the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, in a biopic.  

Robyn Violanda: I am a fourth-year student at the University of California, Santa Barbara. As a first-generation Asian American, I appreciate music as an art medium that touches people and uplifts the voice and talents of an artist. I have loved music since I started singing Filipino ballads at 3-years-old, and have deepened my love for all genres of music growing up in the Bay Area. My favorite genres of music are R&B, Rap, Hip-Hop, and Pop. During my time in college, I appreciated music not only as an art form, but as a historical and cultural artifact. The role of music in politics, social movements, and as a signifier of an era fascinates me as a student majoring in Communication and Sociology, and minoring in Asian American Studies. For me, music has been therapeutic and cathartic to listen to, but can be even more engaging when I learn about the artists, their inspiration, and their own creative spark. My interest in creative spaces and the world of entertainment has energized my passion for writing about music and its impact and presence in modern pop culture.
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