GARTH & TRISHA Behind the Headlines

As sexual assault allegations against Garth Brooks send shock waves through the country music scene, insiders reveal how the star and his wife, Trisha Yearwood, are coping behind closed doors

- JAIME HARKIN

During a livestream with D fans on Oct. 7, country singer Garth Brooks addressed the lawsuit filed against him by a former hair and makeup stylist alleging sexual assault, calling the subject "the elephant in the room" and saying the situation would be playing out in court for the foreseeable future. "This thing is on, it's gonna happen," he said. "People are telling me it could be up to two years. So, my suggestion is, well, take a deep breath... and let's hold hands and take the trip together, because it is something that you cannot talk about ... For those who joined us tonight to hear about that," he added, "I bid you a wonderful rest of your night."

Brooks' legal issues quietly began back in mid-September, when the country music superstar filed an anonymous lawsuit alleging he was being extorted by his unnamed former makeup artist, who he says was threatening to publicly file false sexual misconduct claims against him unless he paid her millions of dollars. On Oct. 3, "Jane Roe" filed a suit accusing Brooks, 62, of sexual assault and battery. On Oct. 8, Brooks - who denied the allegations to Us in a statement hit back with legal filings in which he named the former employee and sued her for compensatory and punitive damages.

The accusations against Brooks have sent shock waves through the country music world. The Grammy winner has long had a reputation for being one of the nicest guys in the business and a dedicated family man to his wife of nearly 19 years, fellow superstar Trisha Yearwood, and his three adult daughters with his ex-wife. "He's trying to push forward and stay positive," says a source. "All Garth cares about is his family and his fans."