High-Profile Sports Agent Jonathan Barnett Faces Serious Rape Allegations in US Lawsuit

The lawsuit details accusations from an unnamed woman who alleges that Barnett kept her in conditions of sex slavery, threatening her life and that of her children, which he staunchly denies.

High-profile British sports agent Jonathan Barnett has found himself embroiled in serious legal trouble as an unnamed woman, referred to in court documents as "Jane Doe," has filed a lawsuit in a Los Angeles district court, charging him with multiple counts of rape. The fallout from the lawsuit includes accusations of brutal control and manipulation, with the woman alleging that Barnett trafficked her from Australia to the UK in 2017 and subjected her to a nightmarish six-year ordeal.

The lawsuit accuses Barnett of raping the woman over 39 times, claiming that he kept her as a "sex slave" and imposed strict rules, even instructing her to refer to him as "My Master." The complaint outlines horrific details, including allegations of torture that involved being deprived of food and water while being restrained and degrading acts such as being forced to consume bodily fluids.

Barnett, age 75, vehemently denies the accusations, asserting that they are untrue and baseless. His legal team has vowed to defend him vigorously, expressing confidence in his eventual vindication. Once ranked as Forbes' most powerful sports agent in 2019, Barnett has represented high-profile football players including Gareth Bale and Jack Grealish.

According to the lawsuit, Barnett first met the woman in the 1990s through a professional athlete and reestablished contact in 2017, leading her to relocate to the UK with her teenage children. The complaint alleges that he utilized his monetary resources and influence to maintain an oppressive grip on her life as she was subjected to manipulation and violence.

Barnett's legal troubles extend beyond himself, as the complaint also names Hollywood talent firm Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and CAA Stellar, where he served as executive chairman until his retirement in 2022. The court documents claim these organizations failed to address substantial payments made to the woman, despite her lacking any formal ties to the agencies. CAA has publicly stated its commitment to addressing such allegations seriously and has urged the plaintiff to pursue law enforcement channels.

As the case unfolds, Barnett's status and reputation in the sports world hang precariously in the balance, spotlighting troubling allegations against prominent figures in sports and entertainment.