Prominent British sports agent Jonathan Barnett has found himself at the center of a grave legal battle, facing accusations of rape from an unnamed complainant in a lawsuit filed in the United States. The woman, referred to as “Jane Doe,” claims that Mr. Barnett assaulted her more than 39 times during a six-year ordeal that began when she was allegedly trafficked from Australia to the UK in 2017.
According to the civil complaint submitted to a district court in Los Angeles, the allegations detail a harrowing narrative in which Mr. Barnett purportedly subjected the woman to severe abuse, including threats to her life and the safety of her minor children. The 75-year-old sports agent, known for his representation of high-profile athletes like Gareth Bale and Jack Grealish, has firmly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the accusations are “untrue” and lack any factual basis.
“We will vigorously defend this lawsuit through the appropriate legal process. I am looking forward to being entirely vindicated and exonerated,”
stated Barnett’s legal team. Esteemed in his field, Barnett was recognized by Forbes magazine as the world’s most powerful sports agent in 2019.
Details of the allegations and the lawsuit
The lawsuit was officially filed on Wednesday and outlines a complex relationship that began in the 1990s when the two met through a professional athlete in London. They later reconnected online and met in person in 2017. Shortly thereafter, the woman and her teenage children relocated to the UK, with Mr. Barnett’s agency, CAA Stellar, reportedly covering the moving costs. However, upon her arrival, the woman alleges that Barnett asserted ownership over her, leading to her being raped in a hotel room.
The complaint alleges that he enforced strict rules over her, insisting that she refer to him as “My Master” and forbidding her from expressing pain. Disturbingly, the lawsuit includes claims of degrading acts, such as being forced to consume bodily fluids, and describes instances of extreme physical restraint, including being tied up without food or water for extended periods.
Wider implications and responses
The allegations extend beyond Barnett, as “Jane Doe” has also named Hollywood talent agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), along with CAA Stellar, in her lawsuit. The legal documents suggest that these agencies failed to investigate significant payments made during the period in question, despite the woman’s lack of professional ties to the sports industry.
Emails cited in the court filings allegedly reveal Barnett referring to her as a “slave,” highlighting a troubling dynamic of power and control. The complaint emphasizes that the woman felt compelled to concede to Barnett’s demands out of fear for her safety and that of her children.
Legal representatives for “Jane Doe” argue that this case represents “institutional abuse at the highest level,” and they are pursuing compensation on her behalf. CAA has stated that it first became aware of the woman’s allegations last year when her attorneys sought a settlement, later drawing media attention.
In a statement, CAA denied any business relationship with the woman, asserting, “While the complaint attempts to connect these allegations to CAA’s business, Ms. Doe has never been an employee, consultant, or contractor of CAA, ICM, or Stellar, nor has she ever had any business connection to CAA, ICM, or Stellar.” Furthermore, CAA emphasized its commitment to addressing serious allegations and encouraged the complainant to approach law enforcement in the UK.