In brief
Sports agent Jonathan Barnett is embroiled in a lawsuit after being accused of raping a woman multiple times and engaging in human trafficking.
High-profile British sports agent Jonathan Barnett, renowned for his representation of top footballers, is facing a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles wherein he is accused of raping a woman known as "Jane Doe" more than 39 times over six years. The lawsuit claims Barnett, aged 75, trafficked the woman from Australia to the UK in 2017 and subsequently subjected her to severe abuse, including threats to her life and the lives of her minor children.Barnett has publicly denied the allegations, asserting that the charges "have no basis in reality." Through his legal team, he promised to defend himself vigorously and expressed confidence in his eventual vindication. The lawsuit, submitted recently, stems from a relationship that began in the 1990s before they reconnected in 2017.According to the lawsuit, upon her arrival in the UK, Barnett allegedly declared that he "owned" her and proceeded to impose strict, degrading rules, insisting she refer to him as "My Master." The complaint details disturbing accusations of physical and psychological torture, including being restrained without food or water and forced to engage in degrading acts.The suit claims Barnett controlled the woman through fear and utilized his wealth and position to maintain her subjugation. Jane Doe is also directing her allegations toward the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and CAA Stellar, suggesting that the agencies overlooked substantial payments made to her despite her lack of affiliation as an athlete or agent.Barnett's past prominence was highlighted when Forbes recognized him as the world's most powerful sports agent in 2019. In response to the lawsuit, CAA emphasized its commitment to addressing serious accusations, noting that Jane Doe was never associated with their organization in a professional capacity. The company asserted they only learned of the allegations when settlement demands were made last year. CAA has advised the plaintiff to contact law enforcement regarding her claims.
