Jermaine Jackson Sued Over An Alleged Sexual Assault From 1988

Jermaine Jackson, brother of Michael Jackson, has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman back in 1988.

According to new legal documents, obtained by The Blast, a woman named Rita Butler Barrett claims Jermaine Jackson forced his way into her home and "with force and violence" sexually assaulted her.

In the filing, Barrett explains she knew the American singer and bass guitarist through close personal/familial connections, including Berry Gordy of Motown, who Barrett knew was in a "business and/or management relationship with Jackson at the time of the assault."

She claims that the Gordy's and her own family attended many social events together.

Rita Butler Barrett states that Jermaine Jackson showed up "unannounced" at her residence in or around the Spring of 1988, which is where the alleged assault took place. She claims the bass guitarist "forced himself into [her] home, and with force and violence sexually assaulted [her]," per the documents, obtained by The Blast.

Barrett also states that during the alleged assault, she "prayed to God for help" and "feared for her life."

Furthermore, Barrett claims that after the assault, and after Jackson was satisfied, he left the residence. The next day, she reported the assault to Mr. Gordy, whom she claims "withheld and concealed the acts."

Barrett also alleges that Jackson and Gordy covered up the incident to "prevent disclosure of information relating to the abuse for the purpose of profit and preservation of reputation."

As you know, Gordy was instrumental in producing the 'Jackson 5' giving Michael Jackson and his brothers worldwide fame, including hit songs such as "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There." In 1975, Jermaine Jackson left the 'Jackson 5' and 'Motown' to pursue a solo career, releasing albums such as "My Name Is Jermaine" and "Feel the Fire." One of his most popular singles is "Let's Get Serious."

"As a result of the assault, cover up and ratification Jackson and his reputation remained intact, while Barrett was forced to suffer in silence and shame for decades," the documents claim.

Adding, "This consisted of a concerted effort to hide evidence relating to sexual assault that incentivized individuals to remain silent or prevent information relating to a sexual assault from becoming public or being disclosed to the [Barrett.] This cover-up effectively denied her the ability to mitigate her damages, to obtain therapeutic support, and [to] disclose the trauma to others."

Barrett has "suffered severe emotional, physical, and psychological injury, including humiliation, shame, guilt, economic loss, economic capacity, and permanent emotional distress" after the alleged incident with Jermaine Jackson, the lawsuit states.

Rita Barrett's attorney Jeff Anderson released a statement following the lawsuit, claiming that his client "suffered an egregious and violent sexual assault."

"This is about her power and the declaration of it when she learned something could be done under the law, and she found the strength and support to find us and is now standing up for herself and others," his statement added.