Garth Brooks Update: Arrested After Sexual Assault Allegations – Hollywood Life
Country singer Garth Brooks was named in an October 3 complaint in which an anonymous woman alleged that he raped her in 2019 while she was working as his hairstylist. According to court documents obtained by CNN, the complaint was filed in a California state court.
In the lawsuit, the hairstylist—referred to as Jane Roe—claimed she began working for Brooks in 2017 after frequently doing glam for his wife, Trisha Yearwood. Roe also alleged that Brooks sent her sexually explicit text messages, repeatedly exposed his genitals in her presence, and made “repeated remarks” about “having a threesome” with Yearwood.
Before Roe’s lawsuit, Brooks filed an anonymous complaint to attempt to prevent her from repeating the allegations and has vehemently denied her account.
Was Garth Brooks Arrested?
As of now, Brooks has not been arrested. While arrests can intersect with lawsuits, they are fundamentally different processes governed by distinct rules and standards.
What Did Garth Brooks Say About the Allegations?
In a statement released on Oct. 3, Brooks said, “For the last two months, I have been hassled endlessly with threats, lies, and tragic tales about what my future would be if I did not write a check for many millions of dollars. It has felt like having a loaded gun waved in my face.”
“Hush money, no matter how much or how little, is still hush money. To me, that means I am admitting to behavior I am incapable of—ugly acts no human should ever commit against another,” he continued. “We filed suit against this person nearly a month ago to combat extortion and defamation of character. We did so anonymously for the sake of the families involved on both sides.”
“I want to play music tonight,” he added. “I want to continue our good deeds going forward. It breaks my heart that these wonderful things are now in question. I trust the system, I do not fear the truth, and I am not the man they have painted me to be.”
Following Brooks’ statement, attorney Douglas H. Wigdor, representing Jane Roe, said, “We are very confident in our case, and over time, the public will see his true character rather than his highly curated persona.”
Has His Wife Trisha Yearwood Said Anything?
Yearwood, his wife of nearly 20 years, has not commented directly on the situation. However, a source who recently worked with the country legend told Us Weekly on October 5 that she and his three daughters—Taylor, August, and Allie—from his ex-wife, Sandy Mahl, are standing by him. Brooks and Mahl, who married in 1986 as college sweethearts, separated in 1999 and finalized their divorce in 2001.
“Garth is known to be a kind and generous man, so these allegations are very shocking. Everyone around him, including Trisha and his daughters, believes he is telling the truth. Many feel this is out of character for him and something he would never do. Everyone is in disbelief.”
“All Garth cares about is his family and his fans,” the source added. “He is a devoted family man and very down to earth.”
If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, judgment-free support as well as local resources to assist in healing, recovering and more.