Out of the public eye for some time now, Garth Brooks has suddenly been thrust back into the spotlight over a lawsuit from a former business partner that claims Brooks is a "vindictive man" and a fraud.

Lisa Sanderson worked for Garth Brooks for 20 years, and has now come out to challenge the picture Brooks paints of himself as a humble, down-to-earth guy. She worked for Brooks' Red Stroke company as a producer, and Sanderson's lawsuit does not mince words:

"Using his infectious charisma and promises they would 'make millions' together to manipulate Sanderson, Brooks lured Sanderson away from a successful and highly fulfilling career in television to become his producing partner and work with him at Red Strokes Entertainment."

Sanderson's lawsuit against the award-winning country singer paints Brooks as a highly self-involved, controlling, and uncompromising force. She is now requesting over $400,000 in unpaid salary and bonuses, as well as punitive damages.

In the lawsuit, Sanderson states that Brooks was his own worst enemy, sabotaging his career at every turn. She notes that he turned down a role in "Saving Private Ryan" because Brooks wanted to be the star, and similarly, turned down a prominent role in "Twister" because he didn't want to play second fiddle to a tornado.

Sanderson goes on to say that she was promised large sums of money and a hefty severance package should her time at Red Strokes end prematurely, but that most of these promises were empty. Sanderson goes on to note that Brooks pretends to be "a humble and highly principled 'everyman'", but is actually a "paranoid, angry, deceitful and vindictive man who will turn against those closest to him on a dime."

Brooks has not yet spoken publicly about the allegations against him. He is coming off a legal victory of his own last year after he won a $1 million breach of contract case, and it appears that he is willing to go to war in the courtroom once more.

"Mr. Brooks, of course, denies everything in the lawsuit filed today by Lisa Sanderson. Mr. Brooks and Red Strokes Entertainment Inc. will continue to take the necessary steps toward resolving this matter through the legal system," a spokesperson for Brooks reported.