By Country music icon Garth Brooks faces serious allegations of sexual assault and battery in a lawsuit filed Thursday by a former hair and makeup artist who worked for the singer.
The lawsuit, filed in a California state court and obtained by The Associated Press, details multiple alleged incidents from 2019. The plaintiff, identified as “Jane Roe,” claims she was once raped by Brooks during a work trip.
Brooks, who has previously denied these accusations, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the new lawsuit.
According to the lawsuit, Roe began working for Brooks in 2017, having first been hired to style his wife, Trisha Yearwood, in 1999. The suit alleges Brooks repeatedly exposed himself to Roe, discussed sexual fantasies, and sent explicit text messages.
One incident in 2019 allegedly involved Brooks forcing Roe’s hands onto his genitals after emerging naked from a shower. The lawsuit also claims Brooks raped Roe in a Los Angeles hotel room during a May 2019 work trip for a Grammy tribute performance.
“Our client is taking a brave stand against a powerful figure in the music industry,” said Douglas H. Wigdor, one of Roe’s attorneys. “We believe the evidence will show Mr. Brooks abused his position of power and trust.”
The lawsuit follows a previous complaint filed by Brooks as “John Doe,” attempting to prevent Roe from publicly discussing her allegations. In that filing, Brooks claimed Roe’s attorney sent a demand letter after he declined her request for salaried employment and medical benefits.
“Defendant’s allegations are not true,” Brooks’ earlier lawsuit stated, arguing that such claims would cause “substantial, irreparable damage” to his reputation and career.
Legal experts say the case highlights ongoing issues of power dynamics and accountability in the entertainment industry. Sarah Johnson, a Los Angeles-based employment attorney not involved in the case, noted, “These types of cases are complex, often involving conflicting accounts and questions of credibility. The court will need to carefully examine all evidence presented by both parties.”
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and has reignited discussions about workplace safety and harassment in the country music scene. As the legal process unfolds, the allegations against one of country music’s biggest stars are likely to have far-reaching implications for the industry and Brooks’ legacy.
Representatives for Trisha Yearwood have not yet commented on the lawsuit.
