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In what’s shaping up as a salacious scandal, Garth Brooks finds himself at the center of serious allegations with text messages now pulled into the spotlight.
Jane Roe, a hairstylist suing the 62-year-old country icon for sexual assault and battery, presented alleged texts between herself and Brooks. One such message showcases a lighter moment, with Roe jesting, “And that huge stick you carry! Roo-sevelt!!” In response, Brooks said, “I’ll take that nick-name 😂💕 Thank you. I love you 💕❤️💕.”
Garth Brooks speaks at the 2023 Music City Walk of Fame Induction ceremony at Music City Walk of Fame on May 04, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. The following year, revelations from a lawsuit cast a shadow on his celebrated career.
Jason Kempin/Getty Images
However, the exchanges hint at a darker narrative. According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly, the “Friends in Low Places” singer might have “used more than one cell phone, and sometimes would use different ‘names’ and email addresses to communicate with Ms. Roe. He would tell Ms. Roe ahead of time that it would be him sending her communications, under a different name.”
The gravity of Roe’s accusations extends beyond cheeky banter. She alleges the award-winning artist raped her during a 2019 work trip, among other instances of inappropriate conduct. Roe’s filing paints a grim picture of her time with Brooks, claiming he once emerged from a shower naked and coerced her into touching him. Roe further alleged that the famous songwriter made “repeated” remarks about wanting to have a threesome with his wife of nearly two decades, Trisha Yearwood.
Prior to these bombshell claims, Brooks had already denied Roe’s accusations, suggesting her lawsuit was an attempt to extort money. He described the “false allegations” as damaging fabrications that would “irreparably harm” his reputation. The dad of three also alleged Roe demanded “millions of dollars” and threatened him with her sexual misconduct claims if he didn’t pay up.
“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 told Billboard in a statement on Thursday, October 3.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to https://www.rainn.org/