Observe: This text incorporates descriptions of alleged sexual assault.
Jermaine Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5 and considered one of Michael Jackson’s brothers, has been accused of sexual assault and battery in a brand new lawsuit considered by Pitchfork. Filed by plaintiff Rita Barrett in Los Angeles Superior Court docket on Wednesday, the go well with alleges that Jackson assaulted Barrett in 1988, and in addition names Jackson’s firms Jermaine L. Jackson Music Productions and Work Information as defendants.
Per the submitting, Barrett knew Jackson for a number of years earlier than the alleged assault, connecting with him professionally in her work as a musician’s contractor and thru Motown Information founder Berry Gordy, who had a working relationship with Barrett’s husband. The go well with alleges that within the spring of 1988, Jackson arrived at Barrett’s residence unannounced, compelled his approach inside, and sexually assaulted her.
The lawsuit additionally alleges that the day after the assault, Barrett disclosed the incident to Gordy, who the go well with states “was uniquely located to each report Defendant Jackson’s acts and to help Plaintiff throughout her time of trauma.”
“As a substitute,” the submitting continues, “Mr. Gordy withheld and hid the acts, additional perpetuating the coverup and permitting Mr. Gordy, Defendant Jackson, and others within the enterprise relationship to proceed to reap income derived from Mr. Jackson’s work and fame for years to come back.” The submitting seeks damages for sexual battery, battery, sexual assault, and negligence.
Pitchfork has reached out to Barrett’s and Jacksons attorneys, in addition to representatives for Jackson, for remark. Barrett’s lawsuit was filed as a part of California’s Sexual Abuse and Cowl Up Accountability Act, considered one of a number of current acts that quickly waive the statute of limitations on sure civil claims that deal with sexual misconduct.
When you or somebody you recognize has been affected by sexual assault, we encourage you to succeed in out for assist:
RAINN Nationwide Sexual Assault Hotline
http://rainn.org
1 800 656 HOPE (4673)
Disaster Textual content Line
SMS: Textual content “HELLO” or “HOLA” to 741-741
