AceShowbiz - Jermaine Jackson is contesting a $6.5 million default judgment related to a sexual assault accusation against him, Thatgrapejuice reports. He argues that the judgment and the media attention surrounding it have harmed his son Jaafar Jackson’s career momentum, particularly as Jaafar stars in a Michael Jackson biopic.

The lawsuit was originally filed in December 2023 by Rita Butler Barrett under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, Complex also reported. Barrett alleged that Jermaine Jackson sexually assaulted her in 1988 after forcibly entering her home without invitation. TMZ confirms that Jermaine Jackson has denied these allegations and stated he was unaware of the lawsuit until after the default judgment was entered due to his lack of response. The judgment was issued in May 2024, with the court ordering Jermaine to pay damages and legal costs. Complex further details that Jermaine Jackson is seeking to have the judgment overturned, emphasizing he did not deliberately avoid the case and wants the opportunity to defend himself in court. Barrett also accused Motown founder Berry Gordy of concealing the alleged assault to protect Jermaine’s career, a claim noted by both Complex and TMZ.

Jermaine Jackson is known for his hit album "Let's Get Serious" (1979) and has appeared in projects such as "Voyage of the Rock Aliens" (1984) and Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall (2016). He has two film credits in the AceShowbiz database and is the father of Jaafar Jackson, who recently gained attention for portraying Michael Jackson in the successful biopic Michael. Jermaine has made multiple public appearances around the film’s release, including the Hollywood premiere.

This legal development comes at a sensitive time as Jermaine attempts to clear his name amid the promotional activities for the film starring his son. The controversy has complicated the public narrative and may have impacted Jaafar Jackson’s breakthrough moment. Jermaine’s challenge to the $6.5 million judgment signals his intent to resolve the matter in court, aiming to restore his reputation and protect his family’s legacy.

This article is based on reporting originally published by Thatgrapejuice.