Garth Brooks

 

Singer Garth Brooks Accused Of Rape And Sexual Assault By His Makeup Artist: Report

 Updated: October 04, 2024, 15:14 IST

In a startling turn of events, Garth Brooks, the acclaimed country music star, has been accused of rape and sexual assault by a woman who previously worked as a makeup artist for his wife, Trisha Yearwood. This allegation was made public after the woman, identified in legal documents as Jane Roe, filed a lawsuit against Brooks. She claims that the singer subjected her to various forms of unwanted sexual advances and inappropriate behaviour, including explicit text messages, unwanted physical contact, and an incident of rape in a hotel room.

The lawsuit has sent shockwaves through the country music community, which has historically been less associated with the scandals often seen in other entertainment industries such as Hollywood. The makeup artist, whose professional relationship with Brooks and his wife began in 1999, detailed a series of traumatic events, suggesting that the singer's conduct went far beyond mere inappropriate behaviour.

 The Allegations Against Garth Brooks

The lawsuit alleges that Garth Brooks raped the makeup artist in a hotel room and also exposed himself to her on multiple occasions. The complaint further details how Brooks is accused of sending explicit text messages and inappropriately touching the woman. These actions, the lawsuit claims, led to such severe trauma for the makeup artist that she contemplated taking her own life. 

“Brooks is desperate to keep his millions of fans from discovering the horrific things he has done to a female employee who did nothing to deserve such treatment,” the lawsuit states, according to Variety.

These allegations are part of a much larger, ongoing legal battle between the parties involved. According to reports, Garth Brooks filed a preemptive lawsuit against the makeup artist in federal court just last month. In this earlier lawsuit, filed under the pseudonym “John Doe,” Brooks claims that the woman attempted to extort him, threatening to tarnish his reputation with accusations of sexual abuse unless he paid her a large sum of money.  

  Garth Brooks' Preemptive Lawsuit

The federal lawsuit filed by Brooks accuses the makeup artist of extortion, defamation, and emotional distress. His legal team argues that the allegations she has made are entirely fabricated and were intended solely to extract money from him. In the complaint, Brooks maintains that “the defendant’s allegations are false.” The lawsuit describes her actions as extortionate, asserting that her public accusations were made “with malice, ill intent and for the improper purpose of extorting money from the plaintiff.”

Brooks' legal team has sought an injunction to prevent the woman from continuing what they describe as “extortionate conduct.” Additionally, they are seeking compensation for damages related to the emotional and reputational harm that these allegations have caused.

 Legal Representation and Public Reactions

The woman’s legal case is being handled by attorney Douglas Wigdor, a prominent lawyer known for his involvement in several high-profile #MeToo cases, including those against figures such as Harvey Weinstein. Wigdor, alongside his colleagues Jeanne Christensen and Hayley Baker, released a statement expressing their confidence in their client’s claims and emphasising the broader issue of sexual misconduct within the music industry. 

“We admire our client’s bravery in coming forward with her complaint against Garth Brooks,” the legal team said. “This case shows that sexual predators aren’t only found in corporate America, Hollywood, or the rap and rock scenes, but also country music. We are confident that Brooks will be held accountable for his actions, and that his attempt to silence our client through a preemptive lawsuit in Mississippi was nothing but desperation and intimidation.”

The makeup artist, who initially began working for Brooks' wife, Trisha Yearwood, in 1999 as a hairstylist, reportedly started working directly with Brooks in 2017. She claims that her involvement with Brooks increased in 2019 due to financial difficulties. According to the lawsuit, during this period, Brooks' behaviour became increasingly inappropriate and abusive.

Allegations of Rape and Other Misconduct

One of the most harrowing accusations detailed in the lawsuit is an incident in May 2019, during a trip to Los Angeles for a Grammy tribute. The makeup artist claims that Brooks violently raped her in his hotel room during this visit. In addition to this, she accuses the singer of regularly making inappropriate comments about his sexual fantasies in front of her and sending explicit text messages. According to the lawsuit, Brooks would often stare at her chest, pressure her to unbutton her shirt, and demand to grope her while masturbating.

The lawsuit also details an earlier incident where Brooks allegedly emerged from the shower naked with an erection while at his home. The makeup artist claims that he forced her to touch his genitalia and pressured her to perform oral sex. Although she refused, she continued working for him, which eventually led to the more severe incident in Los Angeles.

The makeup artist filed her lawsuit in a Los Angeles state court, citing California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, a piece of legislation that aims to hold individuals accountable for sexual misconduct and prevent attempts to silence victims through cover-ups.

 Garth Brooks’ Response

In response to these allegations, Garth Brooks has categorically denied all claims of wrongdoing. In a full statement released following the makeup artist's lawsuit, Brooks described the accusations as false and motivated by a desire for financial gain. He alleges that for two months, he faced constant threats and distressing claims about his future unless he agreed to a multimillion-dollar payout.

“For two months, I have faced constant threats, lies, and distressing claims about my future if I didn’t agree to a multimillion-dollar payout,” Brooks’ statement reads. “It has felt like having a gun pointed at my head. Paying hush money, no matter the amount, feels like admitting to actions I would never commit — actions that are unthinkable and inhumane. I am not the man they have painted me to be.”

This strong denial from Brooks underscores the bitter legal and personal battle that is currently unfolding between the two parties. While the makeup artist’s allegations are being pursued through the courts, Brooks and his legal team continue to maintain that the lawsuit is nothing more than an attempt to extort money from him.

 Conclusion

The accusations against Garth Brooks mark a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about sexual abuse and misconduct in various industries. While the #MeToo movement has brought to light many cases within the realms of corporate America, Hollywood, and even sports, this case highlights that such issues are also present in the country music scene, a world often perceived as being more insulated from these controversies.

As the legal proceedings move forward, it remains to be seen how the court will handle the conflicting claims of extortion and sexual assault. Regardless of the outcome, this case has already had a profound impact on the reputations of both Garth Brooks and the makeup artist. Brooks, who is a beloved figure in the world of country music with millions of fans, now finds himself embroiled in a legal battle that threatens to damage his public image and career. Meanwhile, the makeup artist faces her own struggles, as she seeks justice for the traumatic experiences she claims to have endured. 

Only time will reveal the full scope of these allegations and the truth behind them, but for now, the world watches as another high-profile figure faces serious accusations in the ongoing reckoning of the #MeToo era.