Jermaine Jackson faces a $6.5M default judgment after failing to respond to a 1988 rape lawsuit. The former Jackson 5 member risks an automatic loss.
- April 25, 2026
AceShowbiz - Jermaine Jackson is confronting a $6.5 million default judgment after failing to respond to a rape lawsuit dating back to December 2023.
The former Jackson 5 member has not appeared in court since the allegations were made, which could lead to an automatic loss in the case.
The lawsuit was filed by Rita Butler Barrett, who accuses Jermaine Jackson of sexually assaulting her in the spring of 1988. Barrett’s legal team states she knew him through industry connections and his involvement with the Musicians' Union.
According to the complaint, Jermaine Jackson allegedly arrived uninvited at Barrett’s Encino residence, forced entry, and committed the assault. Barrett claims the incident caused severe trauma and fear for her safety.
Efforts to serve Jermaine Jackson with the initial lawsuit were unsuccessful, prompting his accusers’ attorneys to seek court permission to publish legal notices in the Los Angeles Times. These notices ran weekly from August through September 2025.
When further service was required for a statement of damages, the notices were published again in February 2026. Despite these attempts, Jermaine Jackson has not responded to any legal communications.
Barrett’s legal team is now petitioning the court to issue a default judgment, which would grant her the $6.5 million in damages she seeks, plus over $7,100 in legal fees related to filing and publication costs. If approved by the judge, the case will be resolved without a trial.
This legal development emerges amid renewed public focus on the Jackson family, especially surrounding recent discussions about Michael Jackson and allegations against him. The release of the "Michael" biopic has stirred family tensions, including disputes between Jermaine Jackson and sister Janet Jackson.
As Jermaine Jackson faces serious legal consequences, the legacy of the Jackson family continues to be challenged by long-standing accusations of sexual misconduct spanning several decades.
This article is based on reporting originally published by AllHipHop.
