Garth Brooks sued by assistant for $425,000

Garth Brooks's former assistant is suing the country singer for $425,000 alleging he is a "paranoid, angry, deceitful and vindictive man who will turn against those closest to him on a dime."

TV Guide reports Lisa Sanderson is suing Brooks for $425,000 in unpaid bonuses and salary, plus punitive damages.

In her lawsuit, Sanderson claimed she worked for Brooks for almost 20 years and considered him a "treasured family member." However, she's come to realize he "manipulated" her and turned her into the victim of one of his "paranoid vendettas."

Sanderson -- who was hired by Brooks to help him cross over to television and film -- says the singer was "his own worst enemy" often failing to accept roles over unreasonable demands. She claims he turned down roles as a sniper in "Saving Private Ryan" because he didn't want to share the spotlight and and as the villain in "Twister" because he didn't want to be "outshined" by the tornado.

Sanderson also claims Brooks committed tax fraud.

A representative for the singer denied all allegations in a statement.

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