December 30, (THEWILL) – Jermaine Jackson, the older brother of Michael Jackson, the late music icon, is currently facing allegations of sexual assault dating back to 1988.
A woman identified as Rita Butler Barrett filed a lawsuit on Wednesday, in the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
In the suit, Rita said she had known Jackson for several years before the alleged assault.
The documents also stated that Ben Barrett, Rita’s husband, closely collaborated with Berry Gordy, whom she believed had a business and/or management relationship with Jackson at the time of the alleged incident.
Rita claimed that Jackson arrived unannounced at her home in the spring of 1988, and sexually assaulted her using force and violence. She also alleged that he left when he was satiated.
“During the assault, plaintiff, a woman of faith, prayed to God for help. During the assault, plaintiff feared for her life,” the lawsuit reads.
The suit also claimed that Rita endured severe emotional, physical, and psychological injury, including humiliation, shame, guilt, economic loss, economic capacity, and permanent emotional distress as a result of her interaction with Jackson.
She alleged a cover-up aimed at preventing the disclosure of information relating to the abuse for the purpose of profit and preservation of reputation.
The music star is, however, yet to respond to the allegations. Jackson rose to fame in the 1960s as the second lead singer and bassist of the Jackson 5.
He launched his solo career in the 1970s and had several Billboard top-30 hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
His songs include ‘Daddy’s Home’, ‘That’s How Love Goes’, and ‘Let’s Be Young Tonight’, among others
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