Warning: This article discusses sexual assault, which may be distressing for some readers.
Garth Brooks, the renowned country music singer, is facing allegations of sexual assault and battery according to a lawsuit recently filed.
The lawsuit, obtained by CNN, was reportedly filed in California by a ‘Jane Roe,’ who claims she was employed by Brooks as a hairstylist and makeup artist.
The lawsuit allegedly documents that her professional relationship with Brooks started in 2017, although she initially worked with his wife, Trisha Yearwood, in 1999.
According to CNN, the lawsuit alleges that the incidents took place in 2019. Brooks is accused of indecent exposure, sending explicit text messages, discussing sexual matters, sharing fantasies, and changing clothes in front of Roe.
The report further elaborates that Roe alleges a particular 2019 incident occurred at Brooks’ home. She claims Brooks emerged from the shower unclothed and forced her to touch him.
Additionally, Roe claims that Brooks sexually assaulted her in a Los Angeles hotel room in May 2019 during a work-related trip for a Grammy tribute performance.
Brooks has reportedly denied these accusations, according to CNN.
Prior to Roe’s lawsuit, CNN reports that a ‘John Doe’ complaint was filed by an unnamed celebrity—now identified as Brooks—aiming to prevent Roe from making her allegations public. This complaint also denied her claims.
In the ‘John Doe’ filing, Brooks stated that Roe’s attorney had sent a confidential letter accusing him of misconduct after Roe’s request for a salaried position and benefits was turned down.
“Defendant’s allegations are not true,” Brooks stated in the previous lawsuit. “Defendant is well aware of the substantial, irreparable damage such false allegations would inflict on Plaintiff’s reputation as a decent and caring person, as well as the impacts on his family, career, and livelihood if she proceeded with her fabricated lawsuit publicly.”
Roe’s legal team informed CNN that Brooks’ preemptive lawsuit in Mississippi was an attempt to intimidate their client.
“We are confident that Brooks will face accountability for his actions,” stated attorneys Douglas H. Wigdor, Jeanne M. Christensen, and Hayley Baker in a CNN statement.
“We commend our client’s bravery in proceeding with her complaint against Garth Brooks. This filing highlights that sexual predators can be found in corporate America, Hollywood, rap, rock and roll, and also in country music.”
If you’re affected by the issues discussed in this article, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7, or chat online at online.rainn.org.