“Like Facing a Loaded Gun” — Garth Brooks Responds to Assault Allegations and Hush Money Claims

Country music artist and songwriter Garth Brooks has addressed the sexual misconduct allegations that have emerged following a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles on October 3 by an anonymous woman.

The 62-year-old singer claimed he has been enduring “threats, lies” for the past two months from the plaintiff, who allegedly requested he “write a check.”

“It has been like having a loaded gun waved in my face. Hush money, no matter how much or how little, is still hush money. In my mind, that means I am admitting to behavior I am incapable of—ugly acts no human should ever do to another,” Brooks shared during a press conference on Thursday.

Garth further revealed he filed a lawsuit in Mississippi in September to counter the “extortion and defamation of character,” emphasizing that he chose to do so anonymously “for the sake of families on both sides.”

Understanding the Lawsuit Against Garth Brooks

Earlier this week, a woman, now identified as Jane Roe, has sued Garth Brooks for alleged sexual assault, rape, and battery. The plaintiff, a former celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist, accuses Brooks of raping her in a hotel room in Los Angeles in May 2019.

“[The defendant] seized what he saw as an opportunity to subject a female employee to a side of Brooks that he conceals from the public. This side of Brooks believes he is entitled to sexual gratification when he wants it, and using a female employee to get it is fair game,”the lawsuit stated.

The court documents further allege that the Grammy Award-winning artist subjected the plaintiff to “other appalling sexual conduct” around the same time, including allegedly asking her to perform “oral sex” on him while he was naked after showering.

It is also noted that the alleged victim has been employed by Garth Brooks since 2017 and has worked for his wife, country musician Trisha Yearwood, since 1999. However, five years ago, following the other alleged incidents, Brooks reportedly suggested “threesomes” involving the plaintiff and his wife. The lawsuit also asserts that on at least one occasion, Yearwood overheard Brooks making such remarks to the alleged victim.

Importantly, the 27-page lawsuit was filed under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, which allows for the revival of sexual abuse allegations that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations. Following the lawsuit, the plaintiff’s legal team, consisting of Douglas H. Wigdor, Jeanne M. Christensen, and Hayley Baker, expressed their support for their client’s bravery in stepping forward with her allegations against Garth Brooks.

“The complaint filed today shows that sexual predators do not only exist in corporate America or Hollywood but also in the country music industry,” they commented.

The attorneys further added:

“We are confident that Brooks will be held accountable for his actions. His attempts to silence our client through an advance complaint filed in Mississippi reveal desperation and intimidation tactics. We urge others who may have faced similar experiences to come forward, as no survivor should remain silent.”

The lawsuit demands unspecified damages for the alleged suffering and trauma inflicted upon the plaintiff and calls for a jury trial.

Garth Brooks Issues Statement in Response to Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Following the sexual misconduct lawsuit, Garth Brooks released a statement stating he does not “fear the truth” and is “not the man they have painted me to be.” He also conveyed his trust in “the system.”

“For the last two months, I have been hassled incessantly with threats, lies, and tragic tales about my future if I did not pay a check for a large sum,” he expressed.

He described the situation as feeling like having a “loaded gun” pointed at him, maintaining his innocence against the allegations.

“I want to play music tonight. I want to continue our charitable work. It deeply saddens me that these wonderful endeavors are now in jeopardy,”the ‘No Fences’ singer concluded.

Meanwhile, Garth Brooks confirmed that on September 13 he filed a suit in Mississippi Federal Court to prevent the allegations from being made public and to contest the “ongoing attempted extortion.” He also denied any accusations of physical or sexual abuse that may arise, stating such claims “would irreparably harm the plaintiff’s reputation, family, career, and livelihood.”

This filing coincided with the country music star’s announcement of concluding his Las Vegas residency.

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