Christian music had a dark side, and Stacie Orrico’s lawsuit reveals it in stark terms.
Christian singer Stacie Orrico has filed a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging she suffered sexual abuse as a minor at the hands of her former manager, Britt Ham. The legal action outlines disturbing claims regarding the abuse that reportedly took place between 2000 and 2003, during industry-related travel meant to promote her early music career.
In her lawsuit, Orrico names both Ham and Universal Music Group along with various affiliated Christian music entities as defendants. The complaint asserts that these companies were aware or should have been aware of Ham’s inappropriate behavior yet failed to take necessary action to protect Orrico. It accuses the organizations of prioritizing financial and reputational concerns over the well-being of a young artist. The lawsuit claims that these entities allowed Ham unsupervised access to Orrico, thereby neglecting their duty to safeguard her from potential harm.
Orrico gained fame with two successful albums before stepping back from the spotlight in 2004. She received three Gospel Music Association Dove Awards for her self-titled second album, which included accolades for Female Vocalist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. After a lengthy hiatus, she returned to music with the release of “Beautiful Awakening” in late 2006, and more recently, a single titled “Blessed” in November 2025.
In a statement issued by her legal team, Orrico expressed her frustration and pain, saying, “The music industry failed to protect me when I was a little girl. It has taken me years to become strong enough—but I am ready to fight for every young and innocent person who has been, and continues to be, abused in the music industry and in the Church.”
The lawsuit paints a harrowing picture of Orrico’s experience within the Christian music industry. It details how, despite her public image as a wholesome artist promoting light and hope, her reality was far from it. Orrico describes how her record label and touring company pressured her to abandon schooling, forcing her into grueling 12-to-16-hour workdays. She claims the industry lacked proper safeguards to protect her from abuse during her travels, particularly those to California.
Orrico’s complaint specifies that Ham allegedly abused her for the first time in October 2000, when she was just 14 years old. While traveling to promote her debut album, “Genuine,” Orrico claims Ham assaulted her in a hotel room meeting designed to discuss her music career. Although her mother accompanied her on the trip, she was not present during the meeting. The lawsuit details that during this encounter, Ham allegedly kissed Orrico and instructed her to lie on his bed, continuing to touch her inappropriately while misleading her into believing that his actions were justified.
This pattern allegedly continued, with another instance of abuse reported in July 2001, when Orrico was 15. The complaint outlines the traumatic experiences and emotional turmoil she endured, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for the profound harms she suffered. Orrico seeks to hold both Ham and the involved music industry entities responsible for the pain caused during her formative years.
Black Woman Fired from Zoo for Facebook Post?