Trigger Warning: This article includes discussion of alleged sexual assault, with details.
Jermaine Jackson believes that the rape lawsuit against him could not only damage his reputation but also jeopardize his son Jaafar Jackson’s breakthrough role in the Michael Jackson biopic. The 71-year-old said the publicity surrounding the default judgment marred what should have been a proud moment for both his son and their family.
The promotion of the biopic Michael became intertwined with renewed attention on the rape allegations against Jermaine Jackson
In newly filed court documents, Michael Jackson’s older brother claims that he did not know about Rita Butler Barrett’s sexual assault lawsuit against him and wants a chance to present his defense, reports TMZ. He said he was shocked and deeply concerned about the impact the reports had on his reputation and on the promotion of his son’s film, which was released on April 24 and is the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time.
According to NBC News, in 2023, the accuser filed a lawsuit against Jermaine, claiming he raped and sexually assaulted her in the spring of 1988. She said she met the singer while working as a musicians’ contractor and member of the Musicians’ Union.
The suit stated, as per Rolling Stone, “Defendant Jackson forced himself into Plaintiff’s home and with force and violence, sexually assaulted Plaintiff.” The complaint alleged that Rita Butler informed Berry Gordy, founder of Motown, about the incident, but he instead concealed it to protect business interests tied to the Jackson family. The lawsuit named Jermaine and his companies, Jermaine L. Jackson Music Productions Inc. and Work Records, as defendants, alleging sexual battery, assault, and negligence.
In June 2026, RadarOnline reported that a Los Angeles Superior Court judge entered a default judgment against Jermaine after he allegedly failed to respond to a lawsuit filed by Rita Butler, ordering him to pay $6.5 million in damages. In contrast, Michael has reportedly generated $959.6 million worldwide, according to Billboard.
Have you or someone you love been sexually assaulted or abused? You are not alone. Contact RAINN 24/7 to connect with a real, live person who’s trained to help. https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/.
