Country music star Garth Brooks has been accused of rape by a former hair and makeup artist, according to a lawsuit filed in Tennessee. The alleged incident occurred in the late 1990s when the woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, worked on Brooks’ touring team. The lawsuit claims Brooks assaulted her during a tour and later threatened her to prevent her from speaking out.
The woman’s legal team states that she only felt able to come forward after years of suffering from trauma caused by the alleged assault. She is now seeking damages for the emotional and psychological harm she says she has endured. Her lawyer described her as a “survivor who has lived in silence for too long” and emphasised that this lawsuit is a step toward justice.
Brooks’ representatives have strongly denied the allegations, calling them “false and defamatory.” In a statement, his legal team expressed their intent to fight the claims and clear his name. No further details of his legal strategy have been made public.
The lawsuit, which was filed in Nashville on October 3, outlines the artist’s alleged abuse of power, stating that the victim feared speaking out at the time due to Brooks’ influence within the music industry. The woman claims she was subjected to long-term psychological distress as a result of the incident.
The case is expected to progress in the coming months, with both sides preparing for what could be a high-profile legal battle. Garth Brooks, one of the biggest names in country music, has not made any personal statements on the matter.