Country music star Garth Brooks is facing allegations of sexual assault and battery in a lawsuit filed by a makeup and hair artist who had reportedly worked with the singer-songwriter. The lawsuit, filed by a person identified as “Jane Roe” in California, accuses Brooks of rape, indecent exposure, and sexual harassment, with the alleged incidents occurring in 2019.
According to the lawsuit, the rape allegedly took place during a work trip to Los Angeles, where Roe and Brooks flew to the city on his private jet with no other passengers and then stayed in a one-bedroom hotel room. Roe expressed surprise in the lawsuit that there was no separate room provided for her to stay in. In response, a preemptive lawsuit was filed against Roe by Brooks in September, denying her allegations and claiming she made them with malice for the purpose of extorting money from him.
Roe is represented by lawyer Douglas Wigdor, known for handling cases prominent in the #MeToo movement. Her lawyers have characterized Brooks’ preemptive suit, which seeks damages, as an act of desperation and intimidation. Representatives for Brooks have not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter. The lawsuit against Brooks comes as part of a broader conversation around sexual misconduct and abuse in the entertainment industry.
Roe claimed to have worked for Brooks’ wife in 1999 before starting to work with Brooks himself in 2017. She began working with the country star more frequently in 2019, reportedly due to experiencing financial hardship. Brooks has been a staple of the country music scene since the 1980s and is considered one of the genre’s most popular and successful artists. In 2017, he was named the highest-paid country performer, earning $60 million that year, according to Forbes.
The allegations against Brooks have sparked discussions and debates on social media and in the industry at large. Fans and observers are awaiting further developments in the case and are divided in their opinions on the matter. As the lawsuit plays out in court, both Brooks and Roe are likely to face scrutiny and a focus on the details of the alleged incidents. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the music industry and the ongoing conversation around sexual misconduct and accountability.
