Garth Brooks Faces Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Assault and Battery by Former Hair and Makeup Artist

Country Music Star Denies Allegations, Claims Extortion Attempt Amid Legal Battle

Country music icon Garth Brooks has been accused of sexual assault and battery in a lawsuit filed by a woman identified as “Jane Roe,” a hair and makeup artist who worked for him. The complaint, filed in California state court on Thursday, alleges that Brooks assaulted Roe during a series of incidents in 2019, including one where she claims she was raped by the singer during a work trip.

Allegations of Assault and Misconduct

According to Roe’s lawsuit, the alleged sexual misconduct began while she was providing professional services for Brooks, a relationship that began in 2017. Roe, who had first been hired to style Brooks’ wife, Trisha Yearwood, in 1999, accuses the singer of numerous acts of sexual harassment, including exposing himself to her, making vulgar comments, and sending her sexually explicit text messages.

The complaint details an incident in 2019 at Brooks’ home where he allegedly exited the shower naked and forced Roe’s hands onto his genitals while making lewd remarks. Another alleged assault occurred in May 2019, during a work trip to Los Angeles for a Grammy tribute performance. Roe claims that Brooks arranged for her to stay in a one-bedroom hotel suite with him, where she says he raped her.

“Ms. Roe could not believe that Brooks had booked a hotel suite with one bedroom and she did not have a separate room,” the suit alleges. Roe’s complaint goes on to describe how she felt trapped and powerless during the alleged assault.

Garth Brooks’ Response: Denial and Claims of Extortion

In a statement to CNN on Thursday, Brooks vehemently denied the accusations, calling them an extortion attempt. He said, “For the last two months, I have been hassled to no end with threats, lies, and tragic tales of what my future would be if I did not write a check for many millions of dollars.”

Brooks elaborated on his decision to fight the allegations, asserting, “Hush money, no matter how much or how little, is still hush money. In my mind, that means I am admitting to behavior I am incapable of — ugly acts no human should ever do to another.” He revealed that he had preemptively filed a lawsuit a month earlier to counter the claims, accusing Roe of defamation and extortion.

In the original suit filed by Brooks under the alias “John Doe,” he argued that Roe had made false allegations after he refused her demands for salaried employment and medical benefits. Brooks’ lawsuit, filed anonymously to protect both parties’ families, emphasized the damage such claims could inflict on his reputation, career, and personal life.

Battle Between Attorneys

Roe’s legal team has criticized Brooks’ response, with her attorneys, Douglas H. Wigdor, Jeanne M. Christensen, and Hayley Baker, telling CNN, “Brooks’ efforts to silence our client through the filing of a preemptive complaint in Mississippi was nothing other than an act of desperation and attempted intimidation.”

The attorneys also expressed confidence in their client’s case, adding, “We are confident that Brooks will be held accountable for his actions. The complaint filed today demonstrates that sexual predators exist not only in corporate America, Hollywood, and in the rap and rock and roll industries, but also in the world of country music.”

A Clash of Reputations

This legal battle threatens to damage Brooks’ carefully cultivated public image as a family-oriented, down-to-earth performer. The 61-year-old country star has enjoyed a stellar career spanning decades, during which he has been known for his charitable efforts and clean-cut persona.

However, the seriousness of the allegations, particularly the claims of rape and ongoing sexual harassment, has cast a shadow over his professional and personal life. The lawsuit also places Brooks in the context of a wider reckoning with sexual misconduct, an issue that has rocked numerous industries, including entertainment.

What’s Next?

As the legal proceedings unfold, both parties remain locked in a contentious battle, with Roe’s attorneys vowing to see the case through. Brooks, on the other hand, has doubled down on his innocence, accusing Roe of attempting to tarnish his name for financial gain.

With the lawsuit now in the public eye, the case is sure to draw significant attention, especially given Brooks’ high-profile status. For now, the country music star’s future remains uncertain as he faces these serious accusations, with both legal and reputational stakes running high.