Content warning: This story discusses graphic violence and sexual abuse. Garth Brooks is breaking his silence. After his former makeup artist and hairstylist accused him of sexual assault and battery in a new lawsuit , the "Friends in Low Places" singer shared a message denying the allegations and accusing the woman of extortion.
"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 to E! News Oct. 3. "It has been like having a loaded gun waved in my face.
" He continued, "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." "I want to play music tonight.
I want to continue our good deeds going forward," he added. "It breaks my heart these wonderful things are in question now. I trust the system, I do not fear the truth, and I am not the man they have painted me to be.
" In the lawsuit, obtained by E! News Oct. 3, Brooks' former employee—referred to as " Jane Roe " in the complaint—alleged that the country singer—who has been married to wife Trisha Yearwood since 2005—hired her knowing she was going through financial hardships and subsequently took advantage of her needing her job by sexually assaulting her on multiple occasions in 2019. On one occasion, Roe said Brooks invited her on a work trip .