Jermaine Jackson Wins Court Order Vacating $6.5 Million Rape Judgment

A Los Angeles judge has voided a $6.5 million default judgment against former Jackson 5 member Jermaine Jackson in a rape lawsuit stemming from an alleged 1988 incident. The judgment was set aside because the plaintiff’s legal papers were not properly served and the case was filed under Jackson’s former name, “Jermaine Jacksun,” while he was residing in Bahrain. The court’s order restarts the litigation, giving Jackson another chance to file a response to the allegations. Jackson, who denies the rape claims, said he was unaware of the lawsuit until it appeared in media reports and maintains his innocence.

The plaintiff, music contractor Rita Butler Barrett, alleges Jackson entered her Los Angeles‑area home unannounced in the spring of 1988 and raped her. The case was brought under a legislative window that temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for certain sexual‑assault claims. Jackson’s attorney reiterated that the alleged conduct is “not characteristic” of the singer and that they will vigorously defend the case.