The Jackson 5 member says he didn't hear about the claims in time to avoid a default judgment.
Jermaine Jackson speaks onstage at the "Michael" Global Fan Premiere at Uber Eats Music Hall on April 10, 2026 in Berlin, Germany.
Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images for Universal Pictures
Jermaine Jackson has, for the first time, filed court papers denying that he raped a session musician coordinator in 1988 — and he wants to axe a $6.5 million judgment in her lawsuit.
The Jackson 5 member, who has also had a prolific solo career with Billboard Hot 100 hits like “Daddy’s Home”, “Let’s Get Serious” and “Do What You Do,” was found liable by default last month after failing to respond to Rita Butler Barrett’s sexual assault and battery claims for more than two years. But on Tuesday (June 2), Jackson said he didn’t ignore the claims on purpose.
