Share this @internewscast.com

A woman has sued Michael Jackson’s older brother Jermaine Jackson accusing him of raping and sexually assaulting her in the spring of 1988, and conspiring to keep it quiet to keep his reputation intact.

The suit was filed Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court under the state’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, which allows civil suits in sexual assault cases that reach beyond the statute of limitations if one or more parties are legally responsible or if there was a cover up involved. Under the act, suits can be filed through Dec. 31, 2023.

Rita Butler Barrett claimed in the suit that she knew Jackson through her husband’s personal and business relationship with Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records.

The Jackson 5 (which Jermaine Jackson was a part of), along with The Supremes and Marvin Gaye were some of the hit artists represented by the label. 

In the spring of 1988, Jackson allegedly forced himself into Butler’s home, and “with force and violence sexually assaulted” her, the complaint said.

Barrett’s complaint claimed she feared for her life during the attack and Jackson left after the assault.  

One day later, she reported the assault to Gordy, but he did nothing to report it, the filing said. Instead, the complaint alleged, he and others worked to cover up the assault.

“Because of his relationships with both Defendant Jackson and Plaintiff’s family, Mr. Gordy was uniquely situated to both report Defendant Jackson’s acts and to aid Plaintiff during her time of trauma. Instead, Mr. Gordy withheld and concealed the acts, further perpetuating the coverup and allowing Mr. Gordy, Defendant Jackson, and others in the business relationship to continue to reap profits derived from Mr. Jackson’s work and reputation for years to come,” the complaint said.

The complaint was filed against Jackson, his businesses Jermaine L. Jackson Music Productions Inc. and Work Records, alleging sexual battery, assault, and negligence.

NBC News has reached out to representatives for Jackson and Gordy for comment.

The complaint alleged that Jackson and others were involved in a conspiracy to “cover up” the disclosure of the assault to preserve his and his associates’ reputations and profits.

While the world never knew about the alleged assault and Jackson remained in good public standing, Barrett was forced to “suffer in silence and shame for decades,” the complaint said.

Barrett to this day suffers “great emotional distress”, fear, anxiety, humiliation and other physical and emotional injuries as a result of the alleged assault and coverup, according to the complaint.

The suit seeks general damages to be determined at trial.

A similar act was passed in New York that saw lawsuits against high profile celebrities such as Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Crockett said she 'broke down in tears' watching Alex Padilla get forcibly removed from press conference

Crockett Said Watching Alex Padilla Being Forced Out of Press Conference Made Her Cry

In a recent podcast interview, Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas expressed that…
Woman in floral dress sitting on a pink couch.

Younger Girlfriend Who Identified Body of Putin’s Minister May Be Barred from Funeral Amid ‘Suicide’ Controversy

THE girlfriend of Vladimir Putin’s transport official who was found dead ahead…
Shark bites beach fisherman who dragged thrashing predator back to water after catch

Fisherman Bitten by Shark While Returning Caught Predator to Sea

In a luxurious beach vacation destination, a fisherman became the target of…
Supreme Court blocks Florida immigration law

U.S. Supreme Court Halts Enforcement of Florida’s Immigration Legislation

The Supreme Court blocked Florida’s immigration law, supporting ongoing legal challenges. WASHINGTON…
Paddleboarder on calm water near a shoreline.

Terrifying Encounter: Paddleboarders Face Giant Great White Shark in Infamous ‘Jaws’ Waters

THIS is the terrifying moment paddleboarders in the “Jaws” country come dangerously…
Police say 'sightseers' hindering Texas recovery efforts as teams search for victims in debris

Authorities report that curious onlookers are interfering with recovery operations in Texas as teams work to locate victims in the wreckage.

Texas law enforcement is facing difficulties from “sightseeing” individuals as they try…
‘Jaws’ author’s widow still visits film’s shooting location

Widow of ‘Jaws’ Author Continues to Visit Film’s Shoot Location

The legacy of “Jaws” lives forever for Wendy Benchley. The widow of…
Deborah Wesley seeks Jacksonville council seat

Deborah Wesley Announces Candidacy for Jacksonville Council Seat

Deborah Wesley, a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office commander, enters the race for a…
Prep school lacrosse player’s accused killer could walk after making legal maneuver: expert

Legal Move Might Allow Accused Killer of Prep School Lacrosse Player to Avoid Jail, Says Expert

A Connecticut prep school murder case might see a defendant acquitted due…
Blue city resident vows to keep pro-Trump political displays on home despite second shooting attack

Blue Town Resident Resolute to Maintain Pro-Trump Displays at Home After Second Shooting Incident

A woman in Washington state has decided to set up a security…
Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Melania Trump at a state funeral.

Revealed: The Surprising Truth Behind the Amusing Exchange Between Trump and Obama at Jimmy Carter’s Funeral

THE truth behind President Donald Trump and rival Barack Obama’s cheery conversation…
Trump to visit the UK ‘in weeks’ with plans for president to visit his golf courses being drawn up

Trump Expected to Visit UK Soon with Possible Stops at His Golf Resorts

DONALD Trump is reportedly set to visit the UK “in weeks” with…