Country music singer and songwriter, Garth Brooks has been accused of sexual assault and battery in a lawsuit filed in California state court.
The accuser, identified by the pseudonym “Jane Roe,” alleges that the Grammy-winning singer raped her while she was employed as his hairstylist and makeup artist between 2017 and 2020.
According to the lawsuit, Jane Roe claims that Brooks repeatedly groped her and made sexually explicit remarks during her time working for him.
The most serious allegation stems from an incident in May 2019 when Brooks allegedly invited her to travel with him on his private jet to a Grammy tribute event in Los Angeles.
Upon arriving at the hotel, Brooks allegedly booked only one suite with a single bedroom for both of them to share.
The lawsuit states that Brooks appeared naked in the doorway of the bedroom before raping her. After the alleged assault, Roe claims Brooks continued to make unwanted sexual advances, including forcing her to touch his genitals and sharing sexual fantasies.
The legal action also alleges that Brooks proposed a threesome involving his wife, fellow country music star Trisha Yearwood.
In response to the accusations, Brooks released a statement to the BBC, strongly denying the claims. He called the lawsuit “extortion and defamation” and 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.”
He added, “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.”
Brooks emphasized his trust in the legal system, stating, “I do not fear the truth, and I am not the man they have painted me to be.”
Litigation over the matter began three weeks ago when Brooks filed a pre-emptive lawsuit in Mississippi federal court, seeking to deny the allegations.
His lawsuit described Jane Roe’s claims as “revulsive and untrue” and stated that they were a threat intended to cause “substantial, irreparable damage” to his reputation and career.
Brooks also alleged that the accusations were made after he refused the accuser’s request for salaried employment and medical benefits.
Jane Roe’s lawyers filed a 27-page lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, which accuses Brooks of sexual assault, battery, and repeated instances of inappropriate behavior, including exposing himself, sending explicit text messages, and making lewd comments.
Garth Brooks, a two-time Grammy winner with more than 162 million albums sold, is widely recognized for his contributions to country music and his philanthropic efforts.
The lawsuit highlights his fame and substantial net worth, estimated at around $400 million.
