Jermaine Jackson is facing escalating legal pressure after a California court filing revealed he could be hit with a multimillion-dollar penalty in a sexual assault lawsuit connected to allegations dating back to the late 1980s.
According to reports, Rita Butler Barrett is asking a Los Angeles judge to enter a $6.5 million default judgment after claiming Jackson did not properly respond to the case filed against him. Barrett first sued in December 2023, accusing the singer of raping her in 1988.
The latest request focuses on whether Jackson failed to take part in the legal process after the complaint was filed. A default judgment can be issued when a defendant does not answer or appear in court within the required timeframe.
TMZ reported that Barrett’s attorneys told the court they were unable to reach Jackson and complete service despite repeated efforts. Those lawyers said attempts were made several times during 2025, then again in February 2026, with approval from the court.
The case stems from accusations Barrett says she previously raised involving Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. In an earlier filing, the plaintiff alleged Gordy “withheld and concealed the acts.”
Jackson has not publicly responded to the newest court request at the time of publication. If the judge grants the motion, the financial judgment would mark a major turn in the lawsuit and increase pressure on the performer to formally address the claims in court.
