Grammy winner Garth Brooks accused of raping hairstylist, exposing genitals
Country music star Garth Brooks is facing a lawsuit filed by a former hairstylist and makeup artist, who has accused him of sexual assault and battery. The plaintiff, identified as "Jane Roe," lodged the complaint in California state court on Thursday (local time), according to documents obtained by PEOPLE. Brooks had previously denied these allegations in a separate complaint filed under "John Doe," aiming to prevent the accusations from becoming public knowledge. Trigger warning: Graphic details of assault.
Accusations include rape, exposure of genitals, explicit discussions about sex
In the lawsuit, Roe alleges that Brooks, 62, committed several acts of sexual misconduct throughout 2019. The accusations include rape, exposure of his genitals and buttocks, explicit discussions about sex and related fantasies, changing clothes in her presence, and sending sexually explicit text messages. These allegations form the basis of Roe's complaint against the country music icon.
Plaintiff detailed working relationship with Brooks
Roe began working for Brooks's wife, Trisha Yearwood, in 1999 and was later hired to do makeup and hair for Brooks in 2017. According to the complaint, the two-time Grammy winner became aware of Roe's financial difficulties in 2019 and started hiring her more frequently. The lawsuit alleges that Brooks used this as an opportunity to exploit the female employee for his sexual gratification.
Brooks allegedly exposed himself in front of her multiple times
The complaint details specific incidents of alleged misconduct by Brooks. On one occasion in 2019, Roe claims that Brooks exited the shower naked and placed her hands on his genitals, expressing a desire for oral sex. She asserts she did not engage but remained to complete her work. Another incident involved a trip to Los Angeles for a Grammys tribute where Roe alleges Brooks booked a one-bedroom hotel suite for both of them and exposed himself to her.
Roe alleges rape, describes traumatic experience
Roe alleges that Brooks raped her in the hotel suite during their trip to Los Angeles. She claims she was unable to escape due to the significant difference in their sizes, describing the experience as "painful and traumatic." After the alleged assault, Roe says she quickly styled Brooks's hair and did his makeup for the event. Her legal team notes that she experienced neck and back pain following this incident.
'I've been hassled to no end...'
Brooks told PEOPLE he has been subjected to threats and lies for the past two months. "I've been hassled to no end with...tragic tales of what my future would be if I didn't write a check for many millions of dollars." He likened the experience to having a "loaded gun waved in my face." The singer added that he views any payment of hush money as an admission of guilt for actions he insists he's incapable of committing.
Brooks files counter lawsuit, maintains innocence
Brooks revealed that he had filed a lawsuit against the accuser nearly a month ago to counter allegations of extortion and defamation of character. He stated that the suit was filed anonymously to protect both families involved. Despite the ongoing legal battle, Brooks expressed his desire to continue his music career and charitable deeds, trusting in the justice system and maintaining his innocence.
