Claim: American singer-songwriter Hank Williams Jr. stated he wouldn’t perform with country star Garth Brooks onstage. These claims received mixed ratings.
According to an internet rumor circulating early October 2024, American singer-songwriter Hank Williams Jr. once stated, “I wouldn’t dare share a stage with Garth Brooks!”
Other users on Facebook and X also shared this rumor, yet its veracity could not be verified; Williams never said he wouldn’t perform with Brooks on a stage, contrary to this speculation.
This quote first surfaced as an attempt at humor on November 27, 2023 on The Dunning-Kruger Times website, one of several Facebook pages and websites known collectively as America’s Last Line of Defense — an expansive network of content featuring parody, satire, and tomfoolery as defined by its owner.
Users who continued reading would have discovered that its author provided numerous hints that this wasn’t a genuine news story – for instance one section mentioned an imaginary amount like 11B$ in it!
On Nov. 27, Facebook post to promote article and quote received over 45,000 likes; America’s Last Line of Defense-owned America – Love It Or Leave It hosted it.
Brooks Rape Allegations
In October 2024, news broke of Brooks being accused by an individual working as his hair-and-makeup stylist of having sexually assaulted them both during 2019. They accused Brooks of sexually molesting Trisha Yearwood before leaving him and having an affair together, according to this fictional account of Williams quote being spread further via this anonymous source who claimed she worked under Brooks as his hairstylist, with him eventually accused by this individual as having assaulted and raped by him since 2019 allegations spread.
The Associated Press reported that Brooks filed a preemptive lawsuit in federal court in Mississippi against an anonymous woman on September 7th; court filings included John Doe’s claim of “wholly false allegations”. WATCH BROOK’S BUD LIGHT CONTROVERSY LIVE!
Williams’ quote about Brooks was inspired by remarks he had made earlier that same year.
On June 7, Billboard.com published an interview with Brooks regarding plans for his Nashville bar – now open – during which he appeared to refer to controversy arising from Bud Light’s previous partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. During that interview he stated his intent of serving “every brand of beer”, along with using an offensive term regarding customers that might disagree.
“This may sound corny,” Brooks continued, but her goal is for it to become “Chick-fil-A of honky-tonks… where people feel safe with one another and enjoy sharing good times together. We serve all brands of beer – it isn’t our decision; but our thing is this – if we let you into our house, be kind; there are other places on Lower Broadway.” A number of artist-owned bars on Lower Broadway stopped serving Bud Light after it announced an endorsement deal from transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney earlier this year.
Since Billboard published their interview, some users who align themselves with right-wing politics continued to criticize Brooks over his statements as reported in Billboard’s interview.
Details regarding Brooks and Bud Light can be found in our past reporting, while for background purposes here is why we alert readers about rumors created by sources who refer to their work as being humorous or satirical: [source].
Bain, Katie. “Garth Brooks Discusses His Radio Dominance Attempt, Why His Nashville Bar Will Serve All Brands Of Beer And Potential New Chris Gaines Music”. Billboard Magazine reported on Garth Brooks’ country live panel interview in Nashville with Melinda Newman (1235348128/). Dalton Andrew: Garth Brooks Is Accused of Rape By Hair And Make Up Artist.” Liles, Jordan. “Did Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood Request Donations to Ukraine?” Snopes 20 July 2023 https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/garth-brooks-ukraine-donate/ —. Snopes reported, on 16 June 2023: “Did Garth Brooks Cancel His Bar Grand Opening Following Bud Light Controversy?” They provided more detail at https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/garth-brooks-cancels-bar-grand-opening/ and 12 July 2021 provided further clarity by reporting, “The Garth Brooks and Tom Segura Instagram Feud, Explained”.
