A lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Mississippi may be linked to a separate lawsuit filed in California that accuses country music star Garth Brooks of rape. The California lawsuit, initiated on Thursday, alleges that Brooks sexually assaulted a woman in 2019 who previously worked as his hairstylist and makeup artist.
The plaintiff, referred to as Jane Roe, claims that Brooks filed a “preemptive complaint” in Mississippi to silence her. However, a review of the federal court database does not reveal a case filed by Brooks in Mississippi. Instead, there is a case filed by an individual identifying themselves as a “well-known celebrity and public figure resident in Tennessee,” who denies the allegations and suggests Roe’s claims amount to extortion.
The lawsuit states that Brooks, claiming he is the plaintiff, seeks to have the court declare the allegations false and to block Roe from sharing her story publicly. He is also requesting compensatory damages for pain and suffering and punitive damages to deter her from future actions.
In a 30-page response, Roe’s attorneys argue that Brooks is manipulating the judicial system to intimidate her and suppress the truth. They criticize the choice to file under a pseudonym, arguing that such protection is typically reserved for actual victims of sexual assault.
Brooks, whose lawsuit is labeled under the pseudonym “John Doe,” is represented by attorneys from the Brunini Law Firm. Meanwhile, Roe’s legal representation includes both a local attorney and lawyers who have referenced the Mississippi lawsuit in their filings.
According to the lawsuit, the defendant, Roe, worked for Brooks for 15 years before relocating to Mississippi, where she allegedly began demanding financial support from him. The suit states that after Brooks denied her request for a salary and benefits, she retaliated with false allegations of sexual misconduct dating back several years.
The lawsuit also references letters sent by Roe’s attorneys, implying that she had threatened to file a complaint unless Brooks provided financial compensation. The California lawsuit includes serious accusations against Brooks, including claims of violent behavior and inappropriate actions during their working relationship.
Roe moved to Mississippi in 2021 and claims that Brooks attempted to exert further pressure on her after learning of her intention to file a complaint in California.
Roe’s legal team contends that the Mississippi lawsuit is an attempt by Brooks to shield himself from public scrutiny and prevent details of his alleged misconduct from becoming public knowledge.