By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
LOS ANGELES — A California judge has overturned a $6.5 million default judgment against Jermaine Jackson in a decades-old sexual assault lawsuit, ruling that the singer was not properly notified of the legal proceedings.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elaine W. Mandel issued the decision on June 30, finding that problems with the way Jackson was identified and served with court documents invalidated the earlier judgment.
The lawsuit was filed in December 2023 by Rita Butler Barrett, who alleges Jackson sexually assaulted her in 1988 after entering her home without permission. Barrett claims the alleged incident caused lasting emotional and financial harm and further alleges she reported it to Motown founder Berry Gordy the following day, but that no action was taken. Those allegations remain unresolved.
The original default judgment was entered after Jackson failed to respond to the lawsuit within the required deadline. However, Jackson argued he never received proper notice because court documents identified him as “Jermaine Jackson,” although he legally changed his name to “Jermaine LaJuane Jacksun” in 2013.
Jackson also told the court he was living in Bahrain when attempts were made to serve him. According to court filings, legal notices were sent to his mother’s home in Encino, California, and a summons was published in the Los Angeles Times. Jackson maintained he never received either notification.
Judge Mandel ruled that the combination of the incorrect legal name and questions surrounding overseas service deprived Jackson of proper notice, requiring the default judgment to be vacated.
The ruling does not dismiss the lawsuit or determine whether the allegations are true. Instead, it allows the case to proceed through the normal legal process.
Jackson, a member of the legendary Jackson family and older brother of the late Michael Jackson, continues to deny the allegations. His attorney, Bret Lewis, said the defense intends to vigorously contest the claims as the case moves forward.