Garth Brooks is bracing for a potentially lengthy legal battle in light of sexual assault allegations that have emerged against him.

Country Star Prepares for Potential Two-Year Legal Fight

During a Facebook Live episode of his show Inside Studio G on October 7, the 62-year-old country singer addressed the allegations, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. “Let’s address the elephant in the room, shall we?” Brooks began. “This thing is on; it’s gonna happen.”

He indicated that the legal proceedings could take up to two years, urging fans and supporters to remain calm. “So my suggestion is, we all take a deep breath, just kinda settle in, and let’s hold hands and take a trip together,” he said. Brooks then shifted the focus of the conversation to his recent humanitarian work with Habitat for Humanity and his ongoing residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Allegations Detailed in Lawsuit

The allegations against Brooks surfaced just days prior to his Facebook broadcast, following a lawsuit filed in California on October 3 by a former hairstylist and makeup artist, referred to as “Jane Roe.” Roe, who worked with Brooks for 15 years, claims that he began exhibiting inappropriate behavior in 2019 during her appointments at his home.

According to the lawsuit, Roe alleges that she found Brooks emerging from the shower naked and was coerced into inappropriate contact with him. She also claims to have been raped by Brooks during an event in the summer of 2019. The complaint details further allegations of sexual misconduct, including inappropriate comments and unwanted physical contact, as well as sexually explicit text messages sent by Brooks.

Roe’s lawsuit claims that after the alleged assault, Brooks’s behavior became increasingly aggressive, including groping her while she worked on his hair and makeup. She reported that he frequently changed clothes in her presence and made suggestive comments about his sexual fantasies.

Brooks’s Response and Counterclaims

Brooks’s response to the allegations has been one of vehement denial, asserting that Roe is attempting to extort him. He filed a counter-complaint in Mississippi on September 13, stating that Roe had sent him a demand letter before filing her lawsuit, suggesting she was seeking financial compensation for her claims. In his complaint, Brooks accused her of fabricating serious allegations of sexual misconduct in an attempt to leverage money from him.

He revealed that Roe had approached him for financial help during a difficult period in her life, after moving from Tennessee to Mississippi. Brooks claims he assisted out of loyalty, but her demands escalated into requests for employment and medical benefits. He described receiving threats that her allegations would be made public unless he paid her millions of dollars.

Brooks Expresses His Frustration

In a statement to PEOPLE following the lawsuit, Brooks expressed his frustration with the situation, likening the experience to “having a loaded gun waved in my face.” He emphasized that he would never agree to what he termed “hush money,” insisting it would imply guilt for actions he insists he did not commit. Brooks concluded by affirming his desire to continue his music career and support charitable causes, maintaining faith in the legal system to unveil the truth.

In contrast, Jane Roe’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, expressed confidence in their case, stating, “Over time the public will see his true character rather than his highly curated persona.” The unfolding legal drama has captured public attention, and both sides are preparing for what promises to be a contentious battle in court.