Stacie Orrico’s taking her former manager to court over serious allegations that shake the foundations of the music industry.
Stacie Orrico, once a prominent figure in the Christian pop music scene with hits like “Stuck” and “(There’s Gotta Be) More to Life,” has filed a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging her former manager, Britt Ham, subjected her to grooming, sexual assault, and exploitation during her teenage years. The lawsuit also names Universal Music Group, ForeFront Records, and other associated entities, claiming these organizations failed to protect her while she was navigating her early career.
Orrico was discovered at the age of 12 after winning a singing competition in 1998, leading to her signing with EMI Christian Music Group. Her debut album, “Genuine,” released in 2000, achieved gold status, and her holiday album, “Christmas Wish,” reached No. 26 on the U.S. Top Holiday Albums chart in 2001. Throughout her career, she toured widely and shared the stage with major artists like Destiny’s Child, who she admired for their professionalism and connection with fans.
The lawsuit claims that between the ages of 13 and 17, Orrico was exploited by Ham, who was affiliated with her management company, Rocketown. The complaint contends that the industry prioritized her commercial appeal as a wholesome star, ignoring the necessary safeguards that should have been in place to protect her as a minor during promotional events and tours. Inadequate oversight and a lack of protective policies are cited as factors that allowed the alleged abuse to continue.
According to the allegations, when rumors of the inappropriate relationship began to circulate, industry officials instead placed blame on Orrico for not adhering to Christian values, effectively sidelining her from a career she had built. As a result, she struggled to maintain her presence in the music scene, despite her songs continuing to receive airplay.
The suit also names EMI executives Greg Ham and Eddie DeGarmo, with DeGarmo reportedly aware of the relationship and blaming Orrico for it in 2002, warning her it could jeopardize her career. After cutting ties with Ham in March 2004 at the age of 18, Orrico’s music career ended abruptly in 2007 when she left her record label.
Now 39, Orrico has spent years in therapy and grappling with the trauma she experienced, seeking accountability for the emotional and psychological damage she endured. “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,” she stated through her attorney.
Her attorney, Mo Hamoudi, described the case as a troubling account of an industry more focused on profits than safeguarding its young talent. The complaint lists several claims against the defendants, including negligence and sexual battery, and seeks damages for the harm Orrico sustained during her formative years.
Having received several accolades and a Grammy nomination earlier in her career, Orrico distanced herself from the music industry in the late 2000s, making a brief return in 2013. Her recent actions signal a strong desire to confront the challenges she faced and advocate for others in similar situations.