Photo by Robin Elise Maaya @Robinbirdy
Former Christian music pop star Stacie Orrico has filed suit against the music companies and child predator manager who stole her childhood.
Ms. Orrico was discovered by the Christian music industry when at the age of 12 she won a singing competition in 1998. By the age of 13, she was managed by Rocketown Management LLC and signed by EMI Christian Music Group, Inc. and Forefront communications Group.
Her debut album “Genuine” was released in 2000 and went gold. Her 2001 album “Christmas Wish” peaked at No. 26 on the U.S. Top Holiday Albums chart. In 2003, a self-titled album achieved mainstream success and produced international hits such as “Stuck” and “There’s Gotta Be More to Life.”
As part of her contract obligations, Ms. Orrico toured extensively. Including with Destiny’s Child and other bands to promote the albums.
The lawsuit alleges that between the ages of 13 and 17, Ms. Orrico was groomed, sexually assaulted and exploited by an industry representative. And those multiple corporate entities responsible for supervising her career failed to implement reasonable safeguards to protect her during extensive travel, promotional activities, and other work requirements.
Allegedly, the industry prioritized the commercial value of Ms. Orrico’s public image as a wholesome Christian pop star, while failing to prioritize the young teen’s safety and wellbeing. The suit alleges the industry’s inadequate oversight, lack of protective policies for minors, and missed or ignored warning signs led to years of sexual abuse and exploitation.
As the rumors swirled of an inappropriate relationship, the lawsuit alleges that instead of caring for Ms. Orrico as a child victim, the entities blamed her for not maintaining Christian values and chased her out of the business.
In the immediate aftermath of her alleged expulsion, Ms. Orrico was unable to continue her work as a musical artist – even as her songs continued to remain on the air waves.
Now, after years of therapy, personal struggle, and an attempt to reconcile her religious upbringing and the hell she was put through at the hands of her abusers, Ms. Orrico brings this lawsuit seeking to hold her abuser and enablers accountable for the profound emotional, psychological and spiritual harm she has 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.” said Stacie Orrico.
“Stacie’s case is a chilling account of a child whose love for God and whose extraordinary talent drew the attention of an industry that saw profit, not protection. Instead of safeguarding her, they allowed her to be abused while others made money, leaving her exposed to the darkest corners of their own system.,” said Mo Hamoudi, one of her attorneys.
“Ms. Orrico brings this suit to stand up for her teenage self against the industry that victim shamed her and threw her away. And to give voice to the many other child artists who have been preyed upon by the adults and institutions that were supposed to safeguard them,” said Micha Star Liberty, co-counsel for Ms. Orrico.
The lawsuit seeks damages based on claims including negligence, negligent supervision, negligent failure to warn or train, sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and punitive damages. The matter is pending in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Attorneys for Ms. Orrico: Mo Hamoudi and Karen Koehler of Stritmatter Law, Seattle, Washington; Micha Star Liberty, Liberty Law, San Francisco, California.