Media reports, public statements, or changes in career status

Garth Brooks Faces Rape Lawsuit Filed by Ex-Makeup Artist; Singer Denies Allegations

Oct 3, 2024, 10:18 PM

Country music star Garth Brooks has been accused of sexual assault and battery in a lawsuit filed by a former hair and makeup artist in Los Angeles Superior Court. The woman, identified as "Jane Roe" in court documents, alleges that Brooks raped her in a Los Angeles hotel room in May 2019 during a work trip for the Grammy Awards. She claims that Brooks subjected her to unwanted sexual conduct on multiple occasions, including sending lewd text messages and groping her breasts. The lawsuit was filed on Thursday after Brooks previously attempted to block its filing by suing as "John Doe" in a Mississippi court. Brooks has denied the allegations, stating that he "strongly denies the claims" and maintains his innocence. In a statement released through his publicist, Brooks said he refused to pay "hush money" to the accuser and accused her of attempting to extort him and defame his character. "I trust the system, I do not fear the truth, and I am not the man they have painted me to be," he said. The accuser alleges that Brooks also offered her a "threesome" with his wife, fellow country music star Trisha Yearwood. She worked as a hairstylist and makeup artist for both Brooks and Yearwood. The lawsuit further claims that Brooks engaged in repeated unwanted sexual advances and harassed the woman during the time she worked for the couple. Brooks, known for hits like "The Thunder Rolls," is one of country music's biggest stars. The lawsuit has generated significant media attention, with numerous outlets reporting on the accusations and Brooks's response.