Country music artist Garth Brooks is facing allegations of sexual assault and battery in a lawsuit filed by an unnamed plaintiff, referred to as “Jane Roe,” who claims to have worked as a hairstylist and makeup artist for him. The lawsuit, submitted to a California state court, asserts that the alleged events took place in 2019, including a claim that Brooks raped her during a work trip.
In response to the allegations, Brooks stated, “For the last two months, I have been harassed relentlessly with threats, lies, and tragic tales about my future if I did not write a check for many millions of dollars.” He rejected accusations of paying “hush money,” asserting that doing so would imply guilt for behaviors he insists he did not commit. Brooks also revealed that he had previously filed a lawsuit against Roe to combat what he calls extortion and defamation, doing so anonymously for the privacy of both families involved.
The lawsuit reveals that Roe had been providing hair and makeup services for Brooks since 2017, and she was initially hired to work with his wife, Trisha Yearwood, in 1999. Brooks, in his earlier anonymous complaint, sought to prevent Roe from making her allegations public while firmly denying her claims.
Attorney Douglas H. Wigdor, representing Roe, stated that discussions regarding a settlement are confidential but clarified that Brooks’ insinuation that he refused to pay millions is inaccurate. He expressed confidence in the strength of their case, suggesting that the public would ultimately come to see Brooks’ true character.
The lawsuit further accuses Brooks of several inappropriate behaviors, including exposing himself, discussing sexual topics, changing clothes in front of Roe, and sending explicit text messages. One disturbing incident from 2019 reportedly involved Brooks emerging from the shower naked and forcing Roe’s hands onto his genitals while using vulgar language. Another claimed incident during a work trip to Los Angeles includes an allegation of rape in a hotel room.
The complaint details that Brooks and Roe traveled to Los Angeles on his private jet, where they were the only two on board, and upon arriving at their hotel suite, Roe was surprised to find it had only one bedroom. She claims Brooks later confronted her naked in the doorway.
Following the alleged assault, Roe asserts that Brooks continued to make sexual comments and groped her, including repeated remarks about a threesome involving Yearwood.
In his prior lawsuit as “John Doe,” Brooks accused Roe’s attorney of sending a “confidential” letter making sexual misconduct claims after Brooks turned down her alleged requests for employment and benefits. Brooks argued that the allegations are false and highlighted the potential damage to his reputation, career, and family.
Roe’s legal team criticized Brooks’ preemptive legal actions as desperate attempts to intimidate her, expressing confidence that he would be held accountable for his actions. The attorneys commended Roe for her bravery in coming forward, emphasizing that the issue of sexual misconduct extends beyond just certain industries.
This story is still developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.