Jermaine Jackson was reportedly hit with a staggering $6.5 million judgment after failing to respond to a rape lawsuit filed against him. The shocking legal development comes years after a woman accused the Jackson family member of assaulting her in the late 1980s.
According to TMZ, the judgment was entered by default after Jackson allegedly never formally appeared in court or responded to the lawsuit.
Rita Butler Barrett won a default judgement against Michael Jackson’s brother Jermaine after he no-showed in court
Rita Butler Barrett first filed the lawsuit against Jermaine Jackson in December 2023 under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act. In the filing, Barrett accused the singer of violently raping her inside her Encino, California home in 1988.
She claimed Jackson unexpectedly showed up at the residence before allegedly forcing himself inside and assaulting her for several minutes.
Barrett also alleged that she later informed Motown founder Berry Gordy about the incident. According to the lawsuit, she believed efforts were made to protect Jackson’s reputation and prevent the allegations from becoming public.
Now, according to newly obtained court documents cited by TMZ, Barrett has secured a default judgment totaling more than $6.5 million. The amount reportedly includes damages, legal costs, and medical expenses connected to the alleged assault.
The unusual part of the case? Jackson apparently never responded.
TMZ reported Barrett’s attorneys struggled to locate the singer for months while attempting to formally serve legal notices. Eventually, the court approved service through a legal notice published in the Los Angeles Times after multiple reported attempts failed.
Despite not responding to the lawsuit publicly, Jackson has continued making appearances at entertainment events over the past year, including attending the Hollywood premiere tied to the newly released Michael Jackson biopic.
Barrett’s attorney, Jeff Anderson, framed the case as part of a larger effort to help survivors speak openly about alleged abuse years later. “This is about her power and the declaration of it,” Anderson said in a statement discussing the ruling.
Neither Jackson nor his representatives publicly commented on the default judgment following the latest reports.
Jermaine rose to fame alongside his siblings in The Jackson 5 before later launching a solo music career. He remains one of the most recognizable members of the Jackson family decades later.
TELL US — WERE YOU SURPRISED TO LEARN JERMAINE JACKSON NEVER RESPONDED TO THE LAWSUIT?
