The Jackson family had plenty to celebrate following the remarkable success of “Michael,” the biopic. But a new legal development reportedly overshadowed the celebration. Fresh scrutiny landed on Jermaine Jackson after a court ordered him to pay millions in damages in a sexual assault lawsuit tied to allegations dating back decades.
The timing was particularly notable given the success of the Michael Jackson biopic, which starred Jermaine’s son, Jaafar Jackson, in the title role. As the film continued breaking records at the box office, attention suddenly shifted from the family’s latest triumph to troubling claims resurfacing.
Amid the success of Michael, Jermaine must pay $6.5 million in damages to his sexual assault victim
According to RadarOnline, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge issued a default judgment against Jermaine Jackson after he allegedly failed to respond to a lawsuit filed by Rita Butler Barrett. In court documents filed in 2023, Barrett claimed the singer entered her home without permission in 1988 and assaulted her while her husband was away.
The lawsuit further alleged that Barrett later reported the incident to Motown founder Berry Gordy. As per the complaint, Gordy allegedly helped suppress the matter to protect business interests connected to the Jackson family. Gordy, who was not named as a defendant, reportedly denied any cover-up allegations through a representative.
RadarOnline also reported that Barrett’s lawsuit included a sworn declaration from a second accuser. Former Star Search contestant Cathy Adams claimed Jermaine allegedly entered her hotel room during a 1990 tour in Japan and assaulted her.
In her declaration, Adams alleged that after she discussed the incident with her husband and manager, Jermaine later confronted her outside a hotel elevator. She claimed he restrained her and warned her not to speak publicly about what had happened.
The allegations have surfaced at a sensitive time for the Jackson family. According to RadarOnline, “Michael” has earned more than $577 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful music biopics ever released. The outlet also cited an insider who claimed the lawsuit could complicate future projects tied to the family’s brand and legacy.
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