Popular gospel music artist Stacie Orrico has initiated legal action against her former manager, accusing him of subjecting her to sexual abuse while she was underage. The lawsuit also alleges that executives linked to her record label were aware of the misconduct but did not intervene to protect her.
Allegations of Abuse and Manipulation
According to the legal filing, the inappropriate behavior began when Orrico was only 14 years old. Her former manager, Britt Ham, is accused of isolating her from her parents under the guise of daily Bible study sessions. During these private meetings, he allegedly engaged in inappropriate conduct.
Orrico states that Ham pressured her to keep the encounters a secret. He reportedly warned her that speaking out would tarnish her Christian image and career. The situation escalated during a trip to Los Angeles in July 2001 for concert rehearsals.
Ham instructed the teenage singer to come to his hotel room, where he allegedly kissed her and touched her in a sexual manner. The lawsuit claims additional inappropriate acts occurred during that visit. Similar incidents are said to have happened again the following month at the same hotel.
Escalation and Executive Knowledge
The most severe allegation states that when Orrico was 17 years old in 2003, Ham engaged in penetrative sex with her. The legal documents reveal that other individuals in the industry were reportedly aware of the abusive relationship.
Orrico claims that Greg Ham, an executive with Electric and Music Industries (EMI), informed her parents that she and Britt Ham were involved in inappropriate physical contact. He later told police he knew they were in an unhealthy relationship.
Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that another executive, Eddie DeGarmo, acknowledged knowing about the conduct as early as 2002. Instead of helping, he reportedly blamed Orrico and cautioned that the situation could damage her career prospects.
Legal Reckoning and Charges
EMI was later acquired by Universal Music Group, which is why the parent company is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. Stacie Orrico is seeking justice through the legal system for the trauma she endured.
The singer is suing for multiple charges including:
- Childhood sexual abuse
- Sexual battery
- Negligence
- Other related claims
This case highlights the disturbing power dynamics and alleged failures within the music industry to protect young, vulnerable artists from predators. Orrico's brave decision to come forward legally, years after the alleged abuse, adds her voice to the chorus of survivors seeking accountability.
