Country music superstar Garth Brooks has been accused of sexual assault and battery in a lawsuit filed by a makeup and hair artist, identified as “Jane Roe,” who allegedly worked with the singer-songwriter. The lawsuit, filed in California, accuses Brooks of rape, indecent exposure, and sexual harassment, with the alleged incidents occurring in 2019. According to the lawsuit, the rape 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-bed hotel room, with Roe expressing surprise that there was no separate room provided for her.
In a preemptive move, Brooks filed a lawsuit against Roe in September denying her allegations and claiming that she made the accusations with malice in an attempt to extort unwarranted payment from him. Roe is represented by lawyer Douglas Wigdor, known for handling cases prominent in the #MeToo movement. Roe’s lawyers have characterized Brooks’ preemptive suit seeking damages as an act of desperation and attempted intimidation. However, representatives for Brooks have not yet responded to inquiries from Forbes about the allegations.
Roe, who claims to have worked for Brooks’ wife in 1999, began working with the country star in 2017 and worked more frequently with him in 2019 as she faced financial hardship, according to the lawsuit. Brooks, who has been in the music industry since the 1980s, is one of country music’s most popular singers and was the highest-paid country performer in 2017, earning $60 million that year. The lawsuit against Brooks comes amidst a growing wave of allegations and lawsuits against high-profile figures in the entertainment industry, as victims of sexual harassment and assault continue to come forward.
The allegations against Brooks are a reminder of the pervasive issue of sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry and the importance of holding powerful figures accountable for their actions. The lawsuit filed by Roe highlights the vulnerability of employees in the industry and the need for safeguards to protect them from potential abuse. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to see how both sides present their arguments and evidence in court, and whether justice will be served for the alleged victim. Brooks’ reputation and career could be at stake depending on the outcome of the lawsuit, underscoring the serious ramifications of such allegations for those in the public eye.
