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A Los Angeles judge has ordered Jermaine Jackson to pay $6.5 million after a woman who accused him of sexual assault won a default judgment. The decision follows a civil suit filed late last year and hinges on allegations dating back to 1988.
What the court awarded and why the judgment came by default
Jermaine Jackson hit with $6.5M judgment after failing to contest rape case
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Prosecutors in the civil case moved for a default judgment after their notices went unanswered. The court granted damages and legal fees.
- Total judgment: $6.5 million.
- Included costs: roughly $7,100 in attorney fees awarded to the plaintiff.
- Reason for default: the defendant did not respond to service of process.
Accuser’s allegations and legal basis for the lawsuit
Rita Butler Barrett alleges that Jackson forced his way into her home in 1988 and assaulted her. She says she knew Jackson through her husband, Ben Barrett.
The plaintiff invoked California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act. That law allows survivors to bring claims that would otherwise be time-barred.
Claims of a Motown cover-up and the figures named
Barrett’s filing names people and ties to Motown. She says she reported the alleged assault at the time to Berry Gordy.
Her complaint asserts Gordy and others concealed the allegation to protect Jackson’s career and Motown’s reputation. The lawsuit frames those actions as central to the cover-up claim.
Key documents and court activity
- Alleged incident: 1988.
- Civil complaint filed: December 2023.
- Service attempted; public notice placed in The Los Angeles Times.
- Defendant did not respond to the notice.
- Plaintiff’s counsel submitted a detailed motion for default judgment, spanning many pages.
- Judge issued the damages order on May 14.
Public appearances and the defendant’s response so far
Jackson, 71, has not publicly commented on the judgment. He recently attended a screening for the Michael biopic.
The film features his son, Jaafar Jackson. While the plaintiff’s legal team used public notice to make service, Jackson has not filed a formal response in court.
What comes next in the case
The judgment opens the door to collection efforts and potential appeals. The defendant can still seek to vacate a default or challenge the ruling.
Legal experts note that overturning a default judgment is difficult, but not impossible. The next steps may involve post-judgment motions, appeals, or enforcement proceedings.
