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
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…
Red Bull fires longtime F1 team principal Christian Horner after 20-year stint

Red Bull Terminates Christian Horner’s Role as F1 Team Principal After Two Decades

Christian Horner, who has served as the Red Bull team principal for…
Pennsylvania man charged with beheading father says he was trying to perform a citizen’s arrest

Pennsylvania Man Claims He Was Attempting Citizen’s Arrest After Being Charged with Father’s Beheading

The Pennsylvania man accused of fatally shooting and subsequently beheading his father…
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 on a beach in a beige halter top and matching skirt.

Influencer and Mother, 40, Dies During Triple Plastic Surgery Procedure After Buttock Fat Injection

AN INSTAGRAM influencer and mum tragically died during a “three-in-one” plastic surgery…
Frank Layden, beloved Jazz head coach and GM, dead at 93

Frank Layden, esteemed Jazz coach and general manager, passes away at 93

Frank Layden, who guided the Jazz to their inaugural NBA playoffs in…
A wing-in-ground effect vehicle on the water.

China’s New Giant “Sea Monster” Warplane Unveiled – A Nod to Cold War Soviet Technology

CHILLING pictures have emerged showing China’s terrifying new giant “sea monster” warplane…
Measles outbreak: United States having worst year for measles in more than 3 decades, CDC says

Measles Outbreak: CDC Reports Worst Year in Over 30 Years for U.S. Measles Cases

The U.S. is experiencing its most severe year for measles transmission in…
Trump defends Bondi amid Epstein document controversy

Trump Supports Bondi During Epstein Document Scandal

Following an extensive review of the evidence in its possession, the Justice…
Texas flood: Cyber experts warn of disaster-related schemes after deadly flooding in Kerr County

Texas Flood Aftermath: Cybersecurity Experts Caution Against Scams Following Fatal Kerr County Deluge

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Following the devastating floods in Central Texas, cybercriminals…
Abby Elliott “Couldn’t Hold Her Disdain” As ‘The Valley’s Jesse Lally Shaded His Ex-Wife Michelle Saniei On ‘WWHL’: “That’s Not Gonna Go Over Well”

Abby Elliott Expressed Disgust When ‘The Valley’ Star Jesse Lally Criticized Ex-Wife Michelle Saniei on ‘WWHL’: “This Won’t End Well”

If there’s one thing Jesse Lally is going to do, it’s shade…
Trump taps Sean Duffy to serve as interim NASA chief

Trump Appoints Sean Duffy as Acting Head of NASA

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump revealed his decision to appoint Transportation Secretary…