Country music icon Garth Brooks is facing serious allegations of sexual assault and battery in a newly filed lawsuit by a woman identified as “Jane Roe,” who claims she worked as his hairstylist and makeup artist.
LEARN MORE: Read blogs and articles here!!!
The complaint, filed in a California state court on Thursday and obtained by CNN, alleges that the incidents took place in 2019, with Roe claiming she was sexually assaulted by Brooks during a work-related trip.
In a statement to CNN on Thursday, Brooks addressed the accusations, stating, “For the last two months, I have been bombarded with threats, lies, and disturbing demands about what my future would look like if I didn’t pay millions of dollars.”
“Hush money, no matter the amount, is still hush money. To me, paying it would mean admitting to acts I’m not capable of—horrible acts no human should inflict on another,” he said. “We filed our lawsuit nearly a month ago to stand against extortion and defamation. We did so anonymously, to protect the families involved on both sides.”
Before Roe’s lawsuit, Brooks, initially identified as “John Doe,” had filed a complaint seeking to block her from repeating the allegations publicly. Brooks strongly denied the claims in that filing as well.
According to Roe’s lawsuit, she began working for Brooks in 2017 after being hired to style hair and makeup for his wife, Trisha Yearwood, starting in 1999.
CNN has reached out to Yearwood’s representatives, along with attorneys representing Roe, for further comment.
Roe’s lawsuit includes not only accusations of sexual assault and battery but also claims that Brooks repeatedly exposed himself, discussed explicit sexual fantasies, changed clothes in front of her, and sent inappropriate text messages.
The lawsuit details a disturbing incident in 2019 at Brooks’ home, where Roe alleges he emerged from the shower naked, grabbed her hands, and forced them onto his genitals while using vulgar language.
Roe also claims Brooks raped her in May 2019 in a Los Angeles hotel room during a work trip related to a Grammy tribute performance. The two had flown to Los Angeles on Brooks’ private jet, where Roe alleges they were the only passengers.
Upon arrival at the hotel, Roe states she was shocked to find that Brooks had booked a suite with only one bedroom and no separate room for her. According to her, Brooks appeared naked in the bedroom doorway, leaving her feeling trapped.
The lawsuit also claims that after the alleged rape, Brooks continued to make sexual remarks and physically groped Roe, even suggesting a threesome with his wife.
In his previous lawsuit as John Doe, Brooks claims Roe’s attorney sent a confidential demand letter, accusing him of sexual misconduct after he declined her request for salaried employment and medical benefits.
ALSO READ: Interesting stories
“These allegations are false,” Brooks’ complaint states. “Defendant knows full well the severe damage such untrue allegations would cause to my reputation, my family, and my career if she followed through with her fabricated lawsuit.”
In response, Roe’s attorneys issued a statement to CNN, criticizing Brooks’ attempts to “silence” their client with a preemptive lawsuit.
“Brooks’ efforts to intimidate our client by filing a complaint in Mississippi were desperate and unwarranted,” attorneys Douglas H. Wigdor, Jeanne M. Christensen, and Hayley Baker said in their statement. “We stand by our client and her bravery in moving forward with her case. The complaint shows that sexual predators exist in every industry, including country music.”
The legal battle continues as Brooks and Roe prepare to face off in court, with both sides standing firm in their respective claims.