In the midst of his sexual assault case, Garth Brooks has resumed performing live. The 62-year-old country music artist, who just performed in Las Vegas, shared an emotional letter on Instagram on Thursday, October 3, following the news that he is being accused of sexual assault and rape in a lawsuit brought by a former employee.
“If there was ever a night that I really needed this, TONIGHT was that night!”
As he posted a picture of himself performing live in front of an enthusiastic audience, Brooks commented “If there was ever a night that I really needed this, TONIGHT was that night! Thank you for my life!!!!! Love, g,”
The artist will be performing live at Caesars Palace’s The Colosseum in Las Vegas starting in May 2023 and running through early 2025.
Brooks’ most recent statement coincides with the filing of a lawsuit on Thursday, October 3, alleging that he was sexually assaulted and beaten by his former makeup artist and hairstylist, according to records that PEOPLE was able to access.
The plaintiff, identified as “Jane Roe,” claims in the complaint that Brooks, 62, sexually assaulted her throughout 2019 and showed his buttocks and genitalia. He also allegedly talked candidly about sex and associated dreams, changed clothes in front of her, and texted her obscene images.
Brooks issued a statement refuting the accusations. He said “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. It has been like having a loaded gun waved in my face.”
“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, We filed suit against this person nearly a month ago to speak out against extortion and defamation of character. We filed it anonymously for the sake of families on both sides.” He continued.
He also added “I want to play music tonight. I want to continue our good deeds going forward. 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.”
“The news is definitely shocking”
Brooks denied allegations in an anonymous complaint filed under “John Doe” to prevent public disclosure in September, accusing her of being a “lying extortionist.”
A music industry insider told PEOPLE on Thursday, October 3, that the singer’s allegations have left the Nashville scene in disbelief.
Wife Trisha Yearwood said “The news is definitely shocking. Garth and Trisha are the king and queen of Nashville — he literally refers to her as the queen, There are also billboards all over town with him on it [promoting his bar, Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky Tonk],”
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