Jonathan Barnett, a prominent football super-agent, is facing severe accusations in a lawsuit filed in the United States, alleging that he held a woman as a "sex slave" for six years. The woman, identified as "Jane Doe" in the complaint, claims that Barnett lured her from Australia to the United Kingdom in 2017 under the guise of a job opportunity at his sports agency, which later merged with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to form CAA Stellar Sports Ltd.
According to the lawsuit, Barnett promised Doe employment, paid for her and her children to move from Australia to the UK, and offered a monthly salary. However, upon her arrival, Doe alleges that Barnett coerced her into a relationship of control and abuse, stating that she "belonged" to him and was now his "slave" in return for the opportunity he was providing. The complaint details disturbing allegations of trafficking, threats, torture, and bondage inflicted upon Doe between 2017 and 2023 in various locations, including Los Angeles. She claims Barnett repeatedly raped and assaulted her, using his power and money to maintain control. The lawsuit alleges that Barnett referred to Doe as "slave" and other demeaning names, demanding degrading acts and videos as punishment.
The lawsuit further alleges that CAA, Barnett's former employer, either knew about the abuse or willfully ignored "obvious red flags". Doe claims that substantial sums of money were paid to her, despite not being an athlete or sports agent, which should have raised suspicion. The suit argues that Barnett was either operating in plain sight, or the agency chose to turn a blind eye to his human rights abuses.
Barnett, who exited Stellar in February 2024, has vehemently denied all allegations, calling them untrue and without basis in reality. He stated his intention to vigorously defend himself through the appropriate legal process and is looking forward to being entirely vindicated and exonerated. CAA also denies the allegations, stating they first learned of them through a press inquiry in 2024 and settlement demands from Doe's attorney.
The lawsuit casts a shadow over Barnett's decades-long career as a football agent, where he represented high-profile players like Gareth Bale. The case raises serious questions about the power dynamics within the sports industry and the responsibility of agencies to protect individuals from abuse. The legal proceedings are expected to be lengthy and closely watched as they unfold in a U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.
