The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Garth Brooks immediately returns to stage amid rape allegation: ‘I really needed this’
Country singer has been accused of rape and battery by a former employee
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Country music sensation Garth Brooks returned to the stage on Thursday (October 3) just hours after being accused of rape and battery in a lawsuit filed by a former employee.
The “Friends in Low Places” singer, 62, performed at Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace as part of his ongoing residency, which began in May 2023 and is scheduled to run until March 2025.
Following the sold-out concert, Brooks posted a photo from the night, writing: “If there was ever a night that I really needed this, TONIGHT was that night! Thank you for my life!!!!!”
His message of gratitude came the same day a woman who claims to have been his former makeup and hair stylist filed a complaint in a California state court accusing Brooks of raping her in a hotel suite during a 2019 work trip.
In the lawsuit, the accuser, anonymously identified as “Jane Roe,” also alleged that Brooks repeatedly groped her, made sexually explicit comments, exposed himself to her on many occasions and told her about his sexual fantasies while she worked for him throughout 2019.
Roe said she was initially hired to do hair and makeup for Brooks’ wife, Trisha Yearwood, in 1999. She said she began working for Brooks directly in 2017 and that she was forced to continue working for him due to financial hardship, which she alleged that he was aware of and exploited.
Brooks has vehemently denied Roe’s claims, calling them “lies.”
“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,” he said in a statement. “It has been like having a loaded gun waved in my face.”
The Grammy-winning artist referred to a lawsuit he filed last month in an attempt to prevent the content of the accuser’s claims being made public.
“We filed suit against this person nearly a month ago to speak out against extortion and defamation of character,” he explained.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
“Hush money, no matter how much or how little, is still hush money,” he added. “In my mind, that means I am admitting to behavior I am incapable of – ugly acts no human should ever do to another.
“I want to play music tonight. I want to continue our good deeds going forward. It breaks my heart these wonderful things are in question now,” Brooks concluded. “I trust the system, I do not fear the truth, and I am not the man they have painted me to be.”
In a statement to CNN, attorneys acting on his accuser’s behalf said that they were “confident that Brooks will be held accountable for his actions.”
“We applaud our client’s courage in moving forward with her complaint against Garth Brooks,” the statement said. “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.”
Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673)