Country music star Garth Brooks is speaking out after facing fresh sexual assault allegations.
At 62, Brooks was accused of sexual assault and battery by a former makeup artist. Despite the controversy, he returned to perform in Las Vegas.
"If there was ever a night that I really needed this, TONIGHT was that night! Thank you for my life!!!!! love, g," Brooks posted on Instagram alongside a stage photo.
The accuser, a former employee, filed a lawsuit claiming Brooks raped "Jane Doe" in 2019 during a work trip, according to court documents. She started working for Brooks’ wife in 1999 and later for Brooks in 2017, years before the alleged assault.
Brooks responded to Fox News Digital, strongly denying the accusations.
"For the last two months, I have been hassled with threats, lies, and tragic tales of what my future would be if I didn’t pay millions of dollars," his statement said.
He added, "Hush money, no matter the amount, means admitting to behavior I am incapable of. We filed suit against this person a month ago to fight extortion and defamation."
Brooks concluded, "I want to play music. I trust the system and don’t fear the truth. I am not the man they say I am."
The lawsuit claims Brooks and the woman traveled to Los Angeles in 2019 for a Grammys tribute to Sam Moore. "Jane Roe" says they shared a room, and Brooks appeared naked, flexing his muscles before allegedly raping her.
The complaint also accuses Brooks of sending explicit texts, groping her, and discussing sexual fantasies. These incidents reportedly escalated after the 2019 rape, especially during her financial struggles.
Attorneys for "Jane Roe" stated, "We applaud our client’s courage. Sexual predators exist in every industry, including country music. We are confident Brooks will be held accountable."
The allegations are shocking but not the first controversy Brooks has faced in his long career.