In a shocking turn of events, Garth Brooks, the renowned country music superstar, finds himself at the center of a legal controversy. A former makeup and hairstylist has filed a lawsuit accusing the singer of rape and sexual harassment, allegations which Brooks vehemently denies.
The accuser, identified as Jane Roe in legal documents, claims that Brooks sexually assaulted her in a Los Angeles hotel room in May 2019. According to the lawsuit filed on October 3, 2024, in Los Angeles Superior Court, Roe alleges that the incident occurred during a trip for a Grammys tribute event. She further states that Brooks continued to harass her until she ceased working for him around May 2021.
Garth Brooks, born Troyal Garth Brooks on February 7, 1962, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been a dominant force in country music for decades. Recognized as the best-selling solo albums artist in the United States, Brooks has released 23 records certified Diamond by the RIAA and sold more than 170 million records worldwide. His integration of rock and roll elements into country music helped attract fans from both genres, contributing to his massive success.
In response to the allegations, Brooks has filed a counter-lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, accusing the woman of extortion and defamation. The country star claims that Roe, who resides in Mississippi, threatened to go public with her allegations unless he paid her millions.
"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. It has been like having a loaded gun waved in my face."
Brooks, who has been married to fellow country singer Trisha Yearwood since 2005, maintains his innocence and expresses trust in the legal system. The singer, known for his charitable work including founding the Teammates for Kids Foundation in 1999, stated that he is not the person portrayed in the accusations.
The lawsuit filed by Roe details a history of alleged inappropriate behavior, including unwanted sexual advances and explicit comments. Roe claims she continued working for Brooks due to financial hardship, having started her association with his wife, Trisha Yearwood, in 1999.
Brooks's counter-lawsuit presents a different narrative. It states that Roe worked as an independent contractor for 15 years until May 2020 when she moved to Mississippi. The singer alleges that Roe demanded additional benefits, including a salaried position, which he declined. According to Brooks, this refusal led to Roe's "false and outrageous" allegations.
As this legal battle unfolds, it casts a shadow over Brooks's illustrious career, which includes seven CMA Entertainer of the Year awards and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2012. Both parties are seeking a trial by jury, ensuring that this case will continue to draw attention in the coming months.
The allegations against Brooks come at a time when the entertainment industry continues to grapple with issues of sexual misconduct and power dynamics. As the legal process moves forward, fans and observers alike will be watching closely to see how these serious accusations impact the legacy of one of country music's most celebrated figures.