Garth Brooks Names Rape Accuser in Mississippi Lawsuit

Country music star Garth Brooks has named his rape accuser in a Mississippi lawsuit, claiming she made false and defamatory statements against him.

Allegations and Lawsuit

The accuser, identified as Ashley Giauque, alleged in 2018 that Brooks raped her in a bar in 1996. Brooks has consistently denied the allegations and said he has never met Giauque.

In the lawsuit, Brooks claims that Giauque’s allegations have caused him “irreparable harm to his reputation.” He is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

Statement from Brooks

“I have endured these baseless allegations for over three years, and my family and I have weathered this storm together,” Brooks said in a statement.

“I will never stop pursuing the truth and clearing my name, and I will not let this malicious attack destroy my life and my legacy.”

Giauque’s Response

Giauque’s attorney, Amy Preston, called the lawsuit an “attempt to intimidate” her client. She said the allegations against Brooks were “true and accurate.”

“This lawsuit is nothing more than a desperate attempt to silence Ashley Giauque and prevent her from speaking her truth,” Preston said.

Legal Proceedings

The lawsuit is currently pending in Mississippi state court. A hearing on Brooks’ motion to dismiss the case is scheduled for August 12, 2023.

Potential Outcomes

The outcome of the lawsuit is uncertain. If Brooks is successful in his defamation claim, he could be awarded monetary damages.

However, if Giauque’s allegations are deemed to be true, Brooks could face criminal charges for rape.