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Decades of Silence. Now, $6.5 Million.

For Barrett, this judgment is about more than money. Her attorney, Jeff Anderson — a nationally recognized advocate in clergy and celebrity abuse cases — framed it in terms of courage and reclamation.

"This is about her power and the declaration of it when she learned something could be done under the law," Anderson said in a statement. "She found the strength and support to find us and is now standing up for herself and others."

Barrett's lawsuit states she suffered "severe emotional, physical, and psychological injury, including humiliation, shame, guilt, economic loss, loss of economic capacity, and permanent emotional distress" — a catalog of harm that the court now says carries a $6.5 million price tag.

Representatives for Jermaine Jackson did not respond to requests for comment.

A Star Who Chose Silence Over Accountability

Jermaine Jackson built a career on being heard. He debuted as a solo artist with a cover of "Daddy's Home" that sold over one million copies. He released 14 albums. In 1980, he earned his only Grammy nomination for "Let's Get Serious." His final Billboard chart appearance — "Don't Take It Personal" in 1989 — hit No. 1 on the R&B singles chart.

But when a court demanded he appear and answer for the most serious allegation of his life, he chose silence.

That silence cost him $6.5 million — and his accuser her day in court, answered not by his words, but by a judge's gavel.

He is also the father of Jaafar Jackson, the young star who recently portrayed his late uncle Michael Jackson in the biographical film.

What This Ruling Means

A default judgment is not an acquittal. It is not a settlement. It is a court's declaration that the evidence and allegations stand uncontested — because the defendant chose not to contest them. Jermaine Jackson had every legal right and opportunity to defend himself. He didn't.

The $6.5 million judgment now stands as a matter of public record, and collection proceedings may follow.

For survivors watching this case, the message is clear: the legal system can and does act — even when the accused does not.

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