Jermaine Jackson sued for alleged 1988 sexual assault, plaintiff ‘forced to suffer for decades’

Jermaine Jackson is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in or around the spring of 1988, according to a new lawsuit.

Filed by Rita Butler Barrett on Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court and obtained by The Post, the suit accuses the famed member of The Jackson 5 of sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual battery, negligence and rape.

Barrett claims the alleged assault happened in her home in 1988 when Jackson, now 69, forced himself into the residence, sexually assaulted her with “force and violence,” and then left once 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 suit reads.

Barrett says she knew Jackson for years before the alleged assault as her husband, Ben Barrett, worked with Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, whom she believes was “in a business and/or management relationship” with Jackson at the time.

Barrett claims she reported the alleged assault to Gordy the next day, but he “withheld and concealed the acts,” which would “prevent disclosure of information relating to the abuse for the purpose of profit and preservation of reputation.”

She says he did this so that he, Jackson, and “others in the business relationship” were able to gain profits from Jackson’s career “for years to come.”

The suit claims that the plaintiff has “suffered severe emotional, physical, and psychological injury, including humiliation, shame, guilt, economic loss, economic capacity, and permanent emotional distress” after the alleged incident.

Jermaine L. Jackson Music Productions, Inc. and Work Records, Inc. are also named as co-defendants.

The Post has contacted reps for Jackson for comment.

Jermaine rose to fame alongside his brothers Jackie, Tito, Marlon, and Michael as the Jackson 5 in 1969. The family act produced Motown hits including “I’ll Be There,” “I Want You Back,” and “ABC.”

Jermaine also had a successful solo career in the 1970s and ‘80s with hits including “Daddy’s Home” and “Let’s Get Serious.” 

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.