Former Stylist Accuses Garth Brooks of Rape in 2019; Brooks Strongly Denies Allegations
A woman, identified as Jane Roe, has filed a lawsuit accusing country music star Garth Brooks of raping her in a Los Angeles hotel in 2019. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, outlines serious allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during her time as a hair-and-makeup stylist for Brooks and his wife, fellow country star Trisha Yearwood.
Allegations and Timeline
According to the lawsuit, Jane Roe began working for Yearwood in 1999 and expanded her duties to include working for Brooks in 2017. The alleged assault occurred in October 2019, when Brooks traveled to Los Angeles to perform at a Grammy Awards tribute to soul singer Sam Moore. Roe claims that Brooks booked a single hotel suite for both of them, despite typically traveling with an entourage.
Roe alleges that Brooks appeared naked in the doorway of the suite’s bedroom and raped her. Afterward, he allegedly acted as though nothing had happened and expected her to continue her hair and makeup duties.
The lawsuit also claims that earlier in 2019, Brooks had exposed himself to her at his home and forced her to touch him inappropriately. She further alleges that he sent explicit messages and discussed sexual fantasies during her employment.
Brooks Denies the Claims
Garth Brooks has vehemently denied the allegations, stating they are entirely false. In a preemptive move, Brooks filed a separate, anonymous lawsuit in federal court in Mississippi last month. In his filings, under the pseudonym John Doe, he claims the accusations are “wholly untrue” and alleges that the woman first threatened to publicly sue him in July unless he paid her millions of dollars.
“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,” Brooks said in a public statement. He emphasized that the situation has negatively affected both his family and the woman’s family, expressing confidence in the legal system to uncover the truth.
“I trust the system, I do not fear the truth, and I am not the man they have painted me to be,” Brooks added.
Financial Pressure and Lawsuit Details
In the lawsuit, Jane Roe alleges that Brooks exploited her financial hardship, knowing she was unable to quit her job due to the need for income. She claims she was forced to endure his inappropriate behavior because of her financial vulnerability. The lawsuit also includes allegations of repeated exposure and sexual advances.
Brooks, one of country music’s biggest stars since the 1990s, married Trisha Yearwood in 2005. As of this writing, neither Yearwood nor her representatives have commented on the lawsuit.
Ongoing Legal Battle
As the case progresses, it remains unclear whether the woman has filed a report with law enforcement. An email to her attorney seeking clarification has gone unanswered. The lawsuit has garnered significant attention due to Brooks’ prominence and the seriousness of the accusations. Both sides are expected to continue their legal battle in the coming months.
This situation will undoubtedly continue to unfold, with both sides maintaining strong positions.