Garth Brooks Rape Lawsuit, Country Star Fights Explosive Sexual Assault Allegations as Accuser Appeals to Keep Identity Secret

Country music icon Garth Brooks faces devastating sexual assault allegations from his former hairstylist “Jane Roe,” who claims he raped her in a Los Angeles hotel room in May 2019, held her upside down by her feet during the assault, and subjected her to repeated sexual harassment. In November 2025, Jane Roe filed an appeal with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals after Mississippi Judge Henry Wingate ruled she must reveal her real name in court—a decision her attorneys call retaliation for speaking out. Meanwhile, the California federal lawsuit remains on hold as of December 2025, stayed pending the outcome of Brooks’ Mississippi case, where he claims he’s the victim of a “shakedown” and extortion plot.

The dual lawsuits represent one of the most explosive scandals in country music history, with Brooks—worth an estimated $400 million and married to fellow country star Trisha Yearwood—fighting to clear his name while Jane Roe battles to remain anonymous and seek justice for alleged rape and sexual battery.

What Is the Garth Brooks Lawsuit About?

Jane Roe filed a graphic sexual assault lawsuit against Garth Brooks on October 3, 2024, in Los Angeles Superior Court (later moved to federal court), alleging rape, sexual battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violations of California civil rights laws including the Bane Act, Ralph Act, and Gender Violence statutes.

The lawsuit alleges:

• Violent rape in a Los Angeles hotel room in May 2019
• Repeated sexual harassment throughout 2019
• Forced touching of Brooks’ genitals at his home
• Exposure and explicit sexual commentary
• Exploitation of her financial hardship to coerce compliance
• Brooks sent sexually explicit text messages
• Groping her breasts while she worked on his hair and makeup

Roe is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for years of trauma, emotional distress, and the destruction of her career in the entertainment industry.

Who Is Jane Roe?

Jane Roe is a professional hair and makeup artist who worked with Trisha Yearwood beginning in 1999 and started working for Garth Brooks in 2017. She has over 30 years of experience in the industry and worked with numerous celebrities throughout her career.

According to court filings, Roe experienced financial difficulties starting in 2019. Brooks allegedly learned of her struggles and hired her more frequently—then used her vulnerable financial position to sexually exploit her.

Why Her Identity Became Public

Brooks initially filed his Mississippi lawsuit anonymously as “John Doe” in September 2024, seeking court permission for both parties to use pseudonyms. Roe opposed this motion.

When Roe filed her California lawsuit on October 3, 2024, she identified Brooks by name while using “Jane Roe” as a pseudonym to protect herself. Days later, Brooks filed an amended complaint in Mississippi that publicly revealed Jane Roe’s real name, arguing she forfeited anonymity by identifying him.

Roe’s attorneys issued a scathing response: “Garth Brooks just revealed his true self. Out of spite and to punish, he publicly named a rape victim. With no legal justification, Brooks outed her because he thinks the laws don’t apply to him.”

Brooks’ legal team also submitted photos of Jane Roe from a 2022 magazine profile as evidence, including images of her with Brooks and Yearwood.

November 2025 Appeal to Fifth Circuit

After Mississippi Judge Henry Wingate denied her motion to proceed anonymously in September 2025, Jane Roe filed an appeal with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in November 2025.

Her Notice of Appeal states she is “appealing those portions of the order pertaining to her motions to maintain the confidentiality of her name and proceed using a pseudonym.” She is not challenging the denial of sanctions against Brooks at this time.

The Mississippi case file remains largely sealed from public view, but the battle over her identity continues at the appellate level as of December 2025.

What Are the Graphic Sexual Assault Allegations?

The May 2019 Los Angeles Hotel Rape

Jane Roe alleges that in May 2019, she traveled with Brooks to Los Angeles for a Grammy tribute performance honoring Sam Moore. According to the lawsuit:

Before the trip:

• Brooks typically traveled with a full team of assistants and staff
• For this trip, he flew alone with Jane Roe on his private jet
• He booked only one hotel suite with one bed for both of them

The alleged assault:

• Brooks appeared naked in the doorway of the bedroom
• He “trapped” her in the hotel room
• He “grabbed her hands and pulled her” onto the bed
• He raped her violently and painfully

Graphic details from court filings:

• Brooks held Jane Roe upside down by her feet/ankles during the assault
• All the blood rushed to her head, causing dizziness and nausea
• She was “helpless to move from his grip and terrified”
• Brooks forcefully penetrated her while making “perverted things” about his sexual prowess
• He “repeatedly slammed his penis into her vagina” with such force “she felt as if he was breaking her in two”
• Her back kept hitting his body “over and over”
• Brooks insisted she wear her eyeglasses during the assault

The lawsuit states: “Brooks’ rape of Ms. Roe was painful and traumatic. Having no regard for her well-being and intent on his own sexual gratification at the expense of Ms. Roe’s physical, mental and emotional trauma.”

The Early 2019 Home Assault

Jane Roe alleges that earlier in 2019, while at Brooks’ home for a styling appointment:

• Brooks walked out of the shower completely naked
• He grabbed her hands and forced them onto his erect penis
• He stated he “had fantasized about this moment”
• He wanted her to perform oral sex on him

Pattern of Sexual Harassment

Throughout 2019, Jane Roe claims Brooks:

• Repeatedly exposed himself to her
• Changed clothes in front of her inappropriately
• Sent sexually explicit text messages
• Groped her breasts while she worked on his hair and makeup
• Made frequent sexually explicit remarks and comments
• Discussed fantasies about having a threesome with her and Trisha Yearwood

Financial Coercion

The lawsuit alleges Brooks exploited Jane Roe’s financial vulnerability:

• He learned she was experiencing financial difficulties in 2019
• He hired her more frequently, making her grateful and dependent
• He used the promise of continued work to coerce compliance
• When she requested a raise and health insurance, he refused
• She felt trapped and unable to refuse his advances

Jane Roe alleges she “was unable to continue working for Brooks” and moved to another state around May 2021 to escape.

What Is Garth Brooks’ Defense?

The Mississippi “Extortion” Lawsuit

On September 13, 2024—weeks before Jane Roe filed her California lawsuit—Brooks preemptively filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi (Case No. 24 Civ. 00547) under the pseudonym “John Doe.”

Brooks claims:

• He is “the victim of a shakedown”
• Jane Roe engaged in “ongoing attempted extortion”
• She threatened to file false allegations unless he paid her millions of dollars
• She sent him two demand letters
• He rejected her requests for salaried employment and medical benefits
• She responded with “false and outrageous allegations”

Legal claims in Mississippi lawsuit:

• Defamation
• False light invasion of privacy
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress through outrageous conduct

Brooks is seeking a declaratory judgment that Jane Roe’s allegations are “wholly untrue,” plus compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees, and a trial by jury.

Settlement Negotiations Timeline

According to court records:

• Jane Roe’s counsel informed Brooks that failure to settle would result in a California lawsuit
• Settlement negotiations continued from summer 2024 through September 9, 2024
• Brooks’ attorneys allegedly “disingenuously” messaged that settlement was possible to delay filing
• Brooks filed his Mississippi lawsuit on September 13, 2024—days after negotiations collapsed
• Jane Roe filed her California lawsuit on October 3, 2024

Jane Roe’s attorneys argue Brooks filed in Mississippi as a “bad faith, sham action” and “forum-shopping maneuver” to deny her access to California’s anti-SLAPP statute, which protects defendants from frivolous lawsuits designed to silence free speech.

Brooks’ Public Statements

In a statement to E! News, Brooks said:

“For the last two months, I have been hassled to no end with threats, lies, and tragic tales of what my future would be if I did not write a check for many millions of dollars. It has been like having a loaded gun waved in my face. Hush money, no matter how much or how little, is still hush money. In my mind, that means I am admitting to behavior I am incapable of—ugly acts no human should ever do to another.”

Brooks chose to use the “John Doe” pseudonym initially “for the sake of families on both sides.”

He maintains he has a “well-earned reputation as a decent and caring person” and that public disclosure of sexual assault allegations would cause “unavoidable” damage to his reputation, family, career, and livelihood.

Charitable Image vs. Allegations

The lawsuit contrasts Brooks’ public charitable persona with the alleged private behavior:

Brooks’ public image:

• “Teammates for Kids” Foundation supporting children’s hospitals
• Partnership with Habitat for Humanity
• Built more than 15 Child Life Zones in hospitals
• Known for generosity and helping others
• Carefully cultivated image as a “decent and caring person”

Jane Roe’s allegation: “This side of Brooks believes he is entitled to sexual gratification when he wants it, and using a female employee to get it, is fair game.”

What Is the Current Status of Both Cases?

California Federal Lawsuit (Sexual Assault Case)

Case: Jane Roe v. Garth Brooks, U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Case No. 2:24-cv-09462

Current status as of December 2025: STAYED (on hold)

Recent rulings:

• December 11, 2024: Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald denied Brooks’ motion to dismiss “without prejudice” (meaning Brooks can refile)
• December 2024: Judge Fitzgerald stayed the California case pending resolution of the Mississippi lawsuit
• Judge ruled the Mississippi court as the “first filed” venue should decide jurisdictional issues
• Brooks was ordered to notify the California court of any Mississippi rulings within 10 court days

Legal claims:

• Sexual assault and battery
• Sexual battery under California Civil Code § 1708.5
• Violations of the Bane Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 52.1) – civil rights protections from intimidation
• Violations of the Ralph Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 51.7) – protections from violence and threats
• Gender-motivated violence under California Civil Code § 340.16
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress

Mississippi Federal Lawsuit (Brooks’ “Extortion” Case)

Case: John Doe (Garth Brooks) v. Jane Roe, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, Northern Division, Case No. 24 Civ. 00547 (HTW) (LGI)

Judge: Henry Wingate

Current status as of December 2025: PENDING with most documents sealed

Key rulings:

• May 1, 2025: Judge Wingate ruled Jane Roe’s initial motion to dismiss is “moot”
• September 2025: Judge denied Jane Roe’s motion to proceed under pseudonym
• September 2025: Judge denied Jane Roe’s motion to seal Brooks’ amended complaint
• September 2025: Judge also denied Brooks’ earlier motion to file a document under seal
• November 2025: Jane Roe filed Notice of Appeal to Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

Jane Roe’s amended motion to dismiss filed November 18, 2024 remains pending as of December 2025.

Most case documents are sealed from public view after the court ordered the case file sealed.

Fifth Circuit Appeal (Anonymity Issue)

Current as of November 2025: Jane Roe appealed to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals challenging Judge Wingate’s September 2025 ruling that she must use her real name.

She is appealing only the anonymity issue, not the sanctions denial. The appeal remains pending as of December 2025.

Why Are There Two Separate Lawsuits?

This unusual dual-lawsuit scenario stems from competing strategic moves:

Brooks’ strategy:

• Filed first in Mississippi (September 13, 2024) to establish venue
• Mississippi may be more favorable forum for defendants
• Avoided California’s anti-SLAPP statute
• Tried to force Jane Roe to file counterclaims in his lawsuit
• Attempted to control the narrative by framing himself as extortion victim

Jane Roe’s strategy:

• Filed in California (October 3, 2024) where assault allegedly occurred
• California has strong civil rights protections for sexual assault victims
• Anti-SLAPP statute protects her from retaliation lawsuits
• California has favorable statute of limitations (extended until end of 2026 under AB 2777)
• Wanted to proceed as plaintiff, not defendant

Legal concept: “Compulsory Counterclaim”

Brooks argued Jane Roe’s California claims are “compulsory counterclaims” because they arise from the same facts as his Mississippi lawsuit. Federal rules require parties to bring all related claims in one case.

Brooks’ motion asked the California court to either:

1. Dismiss Roe’s claims with leave to refile them in Mississippi, OR
2. Stay the California case pending Mississippi proceedings

Judge Fitzgerald chose option 2—staying the California case while Mississippi litigation proceeds.

What Does Trisha Yearwood Have to Do With This?

Trisha Yearwood, Brooks’ wife of nearly 20 years, is mentioned throughout the lawsuit:

Employment History

• Jane Roe worked for Yearwood as a hairstylist beginning in 1999 (5 years before Brooks married Yearwood)
• She started working for Brooks in 2017, after his marriage to Yearwood
• She maintained professional relationships with both throughout

Alleged Threesome Comments

The lawsuit claims Brooks repeatedly discussed his fantasy of having a threesome with Jane Roe and Trisha Yearwood, making Jane Roe deeply uncomfortable.

Knowledge of Harassment

The lawsuit suggests Yearwood may have been aware of Brooks’ behavior toward female employees, though it does not directly accuse her of complicity or participation.

Public Support

Yearwood has stood by Brooks throughout the scandal. Sources report Brooks is “leaning on his wife, Trisha Yearwood, for support as the stress impacts his health.”

Considering Moving to Ireland

In October 2024, reports emerged that Brooks and Yearwood were considering purchasing a home in Ireland for a “fresh start.” Brooks revealed Yearwood “fell head over heels” for Ireland during a tour.

What Are the Implications for Country Music and Entertainment?

#MeToo in Country Music

Jane Roe’s attorneys stated: “The complaint filed today demonstrates 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.”

The lawsuit joins a growing list of sexual misconduct allegations in country music, though country has faced fewer high-profile cases than other entertainment sectors.

Power Dynamics and Financial Coercion

The case highlights how powerful entertainers may exploit employees’ financial vulnerability:

• Brooks allegedly learned of Jane Roe’s financial struggles
• He increased her workload, creating dependence
• She felt unable to refuse advances or report misconduct
• Economic power imbalance prevented her from leaving

Anonymity for Sexual Assault Survivors

The battle over Jane Roe’s identity raises critical questions:

• Should rape survivors be allowed to proceed anonymously in civil lawsuits?
• Does naming an accuser constitute retaliation?
• What happens when both parties initially sought anonymity?

Jane Roe’s Fifth Circuit appeal could set important precedent for survivor anonymity rights.

Strategic Forum Shopping

The dual-lawsuit scenario demonstrates sophisticated legal maneuvering:

• Pre-emptive lawsuits to establish favorable venue
• “First-filed” doctrine giving priority to earlier case
• Anti-SLAPP statutes as defensive shields
• Compulsory counterclaim arguments to consolidate cases

Entertainment lawyers are watching closely to see which strategy prevails.

Impact on Brooks’ Legacy

Garth Brooks is:

• The #1 selling solo album artist in U.S. history (162 million units)
• Second only to The Beatles in total album sales
• Country Music Hall of Fame inductee (2012)
• Gershwin Prize winner (2020)
• Cultural icon who defined 1990s country music

The allegations threaten to permanently tarnish his carefully cultivated image as a decent, charitable family man.

How Is Brooks Handling the Stress?

Sources close to Brooks report the scandal has taken a severe emotional and physical toll:

Emotional impact:

• “In a real bad place emotionally”
• Experiencing intense anger and frustration
• “Words can’t possibly describe what he’s going through”
• Fears the stigma will follow him for life, even if he wins

Physical impact:

• Turned to food as a coping mechanism
• Hoarding comfort foods like sweets and chips
• Yearwood normally throws away junk food, but Brooks continues eating
• Once-healthy lifestyle has deteriorated

Professional challenges:

• Maintains packed 2025 touring schedule
• Must “go on the road and perform for fans and deal with lawyers”
• Trying to “stay as positive as possible during this lawsuit hell”
• Concerns about long-term career impact

Support system:

• Leaning heavily on Trisha Yearwood
• Friends and advisors assuring him “he’ll win this”
• Maintains he’s “determined to prove his innocence in the long run”

Timeline of Events

1999: Jane Roe begins working as hairstylist for Trisha Yearwood

December 10, 2005: Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood marry

2017: Jane Roe begins working for Garth Brooks as hair and makeup artist

Early 2019: Jane Roe experiences financial difficulties; Brooks hires her more frequently

Early 2019: Alleged home assault – Brooks forces Jane Roe to touch his genitals

May 2019: Alleged rape in Los Angeles hotel room during Grammy tribute trip

Throughout 2019: Alleged pattern of sexual harassment continues

May 2021: Jane Roe moves to another state, unable to continue working for Brooks

Summer 2024: Settlement negotiations between Brooks and Jane Roe’s attorneys

September 9, 2024: Settlement talks collapse without agreement

September 13, 2024: Brooks files preemptive lawsuit in Mississippi as “John Doe” claiming extortion

October 3, 2024: Jane Roe files sexual assault lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court

October 2024: Brooks files amended Mississippi complaint revealing Jane Roe’s real name

October 21, 2024: Brooks’ attorneys submit photos of Jane Roe as evidence

November 2024: Jane Roe’s California case moved to federal court

November 4, 2024: Jane Roe files initial motion to dismiss Mississippi case

November 18, 2024: Jane Roe files amended motion to dismiss Mississippi case (still pending)

December 11, 2024: California Judge Fitzgerald denies Brooks’ motion to dismiss but stays case

May 1, 2025: Mississippi Judge Wingate rules initial motion to dismiss is “moot”

September 2025: Judge Wingate denies Jane Roe’s motion to proceed anonymously

November 2025: Jane Roe files Notice of Appeal to Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

December 2025: Both cases remain pending; California case stayed; Mississippi appeal ongoing

What Happens Next?

Immediate Next Steps

Fifth Circuit Appeal: The appellate court will decide whether Jane Roe can proceed anonymously. This could take months or longer.

Mississippi Amended Motion to Dismiss: Judge Wingate has not yet ruled on Jane Roe’s November 18, 2024 amended motion to dismiss Brooks’ case. If granted, it could end the Mississippi lawsuit.

California Stay: The California case remains frozen until Mississippi proceedings resolve jurisdictional issues.

Possible Outcomes

If Jane Roe wins her anonymity appeal:

• Her real name could be removed from public records
• Sets precedent for survivor anonymity in civil cases
• May encourage other accusers to come forward

If Mississippi case is dismissed:

• California lawsuit could proceed
• Jane Roe becomes the plaintiff as intended
• Brooks loses “first-filed” advantage

If Mississippi case continues:

• California case stays frozen indefinitely
• Jane Roe must defend herself as defendant
• Brooks maintains favorable forum

Settlement:

• Both parties may pursue confidential settlement
• Most sexual assault cases settle before trial
• Settlement terms would likely include non-disclosure agreement

Trial:

• If cases proceed to trial, could take 1-2 years
• Brooks warned fans the litigation could drag on for two years
• Public testimony would be devastating for both parties
• Jury trials requested in both cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did Garth Brooks rape his hairstylist? 

Garth Brooks has not been criminally charged. Jane Roe alleges in a civil lawsuit that Brooks raped her in a Los Angeles hotel room in May 2019 and sexually assaulted her multiple times. Brooks vehemently denies all allegations, claiming Jane Roe is attempting to extort millions of dollars from him. The allegations remain unproven in court, and Brooks is presumed innocent. Both civil lawsuits are pending as of December 2025.

Q: Why did Garth Brooks reveal his accuser’s name? 

Brooks claims Jane Roe forfeited her right to anonymity by including identifying information in her California lawsuit, such as her 30-year career, work with him and Trisha Yearwood since 1999/2017, and Mississippi residency. His attorneys argued this made her identity easily discoverable. Jane Roe’s lawyers call it retaliation and punishment for speaking out, saying Brooks “outed her because he thinks the laws don’t apply to him.” A Mississippi judge sided with Brooks in September 2025, but Jane Roe has appealed to the Fifth Circuit.

Q: Can Garth Brooks be criminally prosecuted? 

The alleged incidents occurred in 2019. California’s criminal statute of limitations for rape is 10 years from the date of the offense, meaning criminal charges could theoretically be filed until 2029. However, as of December 2025, no criminal investigation or charges have been announced. Jane Roe has filed only civil lawsuits seeking monetary damages, not criminal prosecution. Criminal cases require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt,” a much higher standard than civil cases, which require proof by “preponderance of the evidence.”

Q: Why are there two separate lawsuits? 

Brooks filed first in Mississippi on September 13, 2024, claiming extortion and seeking a declaration that Jane Roe’s allegations are false. Jane Roe then filed her sexual assault lawsuit in California on October 3, 2024. Brooks argues Jane Roe’s claims should be “compulsory counterclaims” in his Mississippi case, but Jane Roe argues Brooks engaged in “forum shopping” to silence her and avoid California’s anti-SLAPP protections. The California case is currently stayed pending resolution of Mississippi proceedings.

Q: Has Trisha Yearwood been accused of anything? 

No. Trisha Yearwood has not been accused of sexual misconduct or criminal behavior. The lawsuit mentions that Jane Roe worked for Yearwood since 1999 and that Brooks allegedly discussed threesome fantasies involving Yearwood, but Yearwood is not named as a defendant. She has publicly supported her husband throughout the scandal.

Q: What is the status of the lawsuits as of December 2025? 

The California federal sexual assault lawsuit is stayed (on hold) pending resolution of the Mississippi case. The Mississippi federal lawsuit remains pending, with most documents sealed from public view. Jane Roe’s amended motion to dismiss the Mississippi case (filed November 18, 2024) has not been ruled on. In November 2025, Jane Roe filed an appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the ruling that she must reveal her identity. No trial dates have been set in either case.

Q: How much is Garth Brooks seeking in damages? 

In his Mississippi lawsuit, Brooks initially sought tort claims, compensatory and punitive damages, declaratory relief, and attorney fees. He later amended his complaint to seek only damages. The specific dollar amount has not been publicly disclosed. Jane Roe’s California lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for sexual assault, battery, emotional distress, and civil rights violations. Neither party has stated a specific monetary demand.

Q: Could this affect Garth Brooks’ career? 

The allegations have already impacted Brooks’ public image and emotional wellbeing. He continues touring and performing as of 2025, but sources report he’s “in a real bad place emotionally” and fears “the stigma will follow him for the rest of his life” even if he wins. Country music fans remain divided—some support Brooks and believe the allegations are false extortion attempts, while others believe Jane Roe and call for accountability. His legacy as country music’s best-selling solo artist is now permanently intertwined with these allegations.

Resources for Sexual Assault Survivors

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault:

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | Available 24/7

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): www.rainn.org | Online chat available

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 | Text “START” to 88788

Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund: For workplace sexual harassment | timesupnow.org

California: www.calcasa.org | California Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides information about ongoing civil litigation and should not be construed as legal advice. The allegations described remain unproven in court. Garth Brooks has not been criminally charged and denies all allegations. Both parties are entitled to due process and presumed innocent of wrongdoing. Outcomes in civil litigation vary based on facts, evidence, and applicable law.

Sources: This article is based on court filings from the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (Case No. 2:24-cv-09462) and U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi (Case No. 24 Civ. 00547), verified news reports from Rolling Stone, E! News, ABC News, Bloomberg Law, Whiskey Riff, WLBT Jackson, and legal analysis from Wigdor LLP and other sources reporting on ongoing litigation as of December 2025.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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