NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A judge has denied country star Garth Brooks’ request to dismiss a sexual assault lawsuit filed against him in California by a woman who worked as his hairstylist and makeup artist.
The U.S. District Judge, Michael W. Fitzgerald, denied a motion to dismiss the suit, which was brought forward by Brooks. The denial comes in part from an “original action” still pending in Mississippi, Fitzgerald ruled.
Accordingly, the Motion is DENIED without prejudice. The action is STAYED pending the outcome of the pending motions in Doe v. Roe, No. 3:24-cv547-HTW-LGI (S.D. Miss.). Defendant in this action is ORDERED to inform this Court of any rulings in the Mississippi Action within ten court days.
Additionally, Plaintiff’s Application for Leave to Submit Documents for In Camera Review (Docket No. 26) is DENIED as moot because the Court does not deem it necessary to review the documents prior to issuing its ruling.
Due to the ruling, a court date scheduled for next week was vacated.
The lawsuit accuses Brooks of raping a woman in 2019 who worked as his hairstylist and makeup artist.
In September, Brooks filed a preemptive lawsuit which claims the woman was dealing with “financial difficulties” and asked Brooks for assistance. Brooks complied out of loyalty, friendship, and a “desire to improve the defendant’s condition.” However, the lawsuit claims, the woman’s demands for financial assistance increased and she asked for salaried employment and medical benefits.
When Brooks said he could not agree to the woman’s demands, the lawsuit claims she responded with “false and outrageous allegations of sexual misconduct she claims occurred years ago.”
According to the preemptive lawsuit, in July 2024 the woman sent a letter to Brooks and others, who he works with a demand letter alleging a “litany of sexual misconduct” by Brooks ranging from allegations of sexual “grooming,” creating a sexually hostile work environment, unwanted sexual touching and sexual assault.
You can read the full court ruling by clicking here.
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