Los Angeles, CA — In a startling turn of events, country music superstar Garth Brooks has publicly alleged that a former employee, who has accused him of rape, is attempting to extort him. The accusations surfaced following a demand letter received by Brooks before the filing of a lawsuit on October 3, 2024, in which the unnamed accuser, referred to as "Jane Roe," claimed that the singer engaged in sexual assault and misconduct over several years.
Brooks’s legal team asserts that Roe, a makeup artist who worked with him for 15 years, initially approached him for financial help after relocating from Tennessee to Mississippi in 2020. In his complaint filed anonymously on September 13, Brooks described how he supported Roe out of loyalty, only for her requests for money to escalate. He alleges that when he declined to meet her increasing demands, she retaliated with “false and outrageous allegations” of sexual misconduct.
According to Brooks, a confidential demand letter sent by Roe’s attorneys on July 17 threatened to “publicly file” a suit unless he paid her millions. The letter purportedly outlined claims of sexual grooming, unwanted touching, and a sexually hostile work environment, while referencing high-profile celebrity lawsuits with hefty jury awards.
On August 23, Brooks received another letter from Roe, reiterating her threats and suggesting that if he didn’t comply, he would face significant financial repercussions based on his net worth. The country star’s complaint highlights that Roe was aware of the potential damage such public allegations could inflict on his reputation and career.
Brooks is seeking a declaratory judgment to affirm that Roe’s allegations are false, alongside compensatory and punitive damages. He insists that he is not the person she claims him to be and expressed frustration over the ongoing harassment and threats he has faced in recent months.
In her lawsuit, Roe claims that inappropriate behavior began in 2019 during a styling appointment at Brooks’ home, where she alleges he emerged from the shower naked and forced her to engage in sexual acts. The complaint details instances of sexual harassment, including Brooks allegedly exposing himself and discussing explicit sexual fantasies.
Roe’s attorneys expressed confidence in their case, asserting that “sexual predators exist not only in corporate America, Hollywood and in the rap and rock and roll industries but also in the world of country music.” They urged other potential victims to come forward and emphasized the importance of speaking out against alleged misconduct.
In a statement released to the press, Brooks described the last two months as a distressing experience, likening the threats to “having a loaded gun waved in my face.” He emphasized that he would not pay “hush money,” asserting that it would imply an admission of guilt for actions he vehemently denies.
“I trust the system, I do not fear the truth,” Brooks concluded, expressing a desire to return to his music and charitable efforts without the shadow of these allegations looming over him.
As both parties prepare for what promises to be a contentious legal battle, the spotlight remains firmly on the complex interplay of celebrity, power, and allegations of misconduct within the entertainment industry.