Garth Brooks isn’t hiding away from the allegations levied against him by a former employee and is denying the accusations vehemently. But the embattled country legend isn’t handling the stress of the situation well as he’s looking bloated and his blood pressure is soaring, prompting friends to worry his legal nightmare could kill him, a source exclusively tells In Touch.
“He’s totally convinced he’ll get through this sordid mess, but it’s caused him undue stress. He’s in legal meetings and the phone is going off 24/7. He’s having to fend off questions from friends and loved ones. It’s perhaps the most stressful event of his life,” the source says.
On October 3, a woman who worked for the country singer and his second wife, Trisha Yearwood, filed a civil complaint accusing him of rape and harassment. The woman filed the suit anonymously using a pseudonym, prompting Garth, 62, to respond with a counter suit and call the initial allegation a “shakedown” and an attempt at extortion.
Up until now, the “Friends in Low Places” singer had maintained a squeaky clean reputation and the source says the shock of the accusation has shaken Garth so badly his health is suffering.
“The pressure he’s facing is enough to make him a nervous wreck,” the insider continues. “He’d got back to being healthy physically, but now there are genuine concerns about his blood pressure.”
“It’s not helped that he’s clearly seeking solace in the bread bin, too.”
The “Much Too Young” singer had been open about his weight loss journey before, talking about needing to lose weight to perform on stage with more energy after he reached over 300 pounds.
A consistent yo-yo dieter for years, it was only recently he had committed to healthy living, relying on Trisha, 60, to cook meals to replace his Dr. Pepper and Peanut M&M binges. After dropping over 50 pounds, the country star debuted his weight loss proudly. However, the source says the suit brought against him and ongoing legal battle, which may last years, has once again opened Garth up to his unhealthy habits.
“People around him notice he’s gained weight, no doubt from the comfort eating, and worse, he’s hoarding food from Trisha, sweets, chips, all kinds of bad stuff that she’d throw out if she saw it,” the source says.
Garth’s wife of nearly 20 years had been key to helping him finally shed the weight and he leaned on her for support throughout.
A different source had previously told Closer that Garth and Trisha have “also weathered a lot of storms together and that’s cemented their bond. They know they’re in this through thick and thin and there’s a lot to be said for that when it comes to building a deep connection.”
“Garth is trying not to worry and look after himself, everyone is saying he’ll win this, but it doesn’t take away the fact he’s in a real bad place emotionally over this scandal.”
“He’s furious, too. Words can’t possibly describe what he’s going through right now.”
