Brian Littrell, a member of the iconic boy band the Backstreet Boys, has initiated legal action against Carolyn Barrington Hill, claiming she trespassed on his private beach in Florida. The lawsuit, filed on June 19, 2023, seeks $50,000 in damages and alleges that Hill has repeatedly infringed on Littrell’s property rights at his $3.8 million home in Santa Rosa Beach.
According to the court documents, Hill, 67, is accused of entering Littrell’s property without permission on multiple occasions between late April and mid-September. The singer, aged 50, along with his wife, Leighanne Littrell, 56, claims that Hill has engaged in aggressive behavior, including yelling at their property manager and setting up her own beach furniture on their land.
The couple has stated that despite placing several “no trespassing” signs and setting up physical barriers such as chairs and umbrellas, their attempts to secure their property have been unsuccessful. They allege Hill has not only harassed them but has also incited others to trespass. The Littrells contend that they have had to hire private security to manage the situation but have ultimately had to rely on the Walton County Sheriff’s Office for assistance.
The suit against the sheriff’s office alleges that it has failed to enforce the Littrells’ private property rights, contributing to ongoing harassment. The Florida Constitution designates all land seaward of the mean high-water line as public, which complicates ownership issues along the beach. However, the dry sand areas above this line are typically privately owned, which is the crux of the dispute.
In an incident captured on video in May, Hill reportedly became distressed when asked to leave the area. During this encounter, a deputy attempted to de-escalate the situation, suggesting she could simply relocate to another part of the beach. Hill, however, claimed she had been threatened by the Littrells and their manager, mentioning an encounter involving an electric drill. The property manager confirmed that the drill was not intended as a weapon, but rather a means to manage the situation.
Hill has since filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that it seeks to prevent her from exercising her constitutional rights to access the beach. In her request, she described the complaint as “facially deficient.”
Following the filing of the lawsuit against the sheriff’s office, a representative for Littrell emphasized the family’s desire for a peaceful resolution. They stated, “All Brian and his family want is what anyone would want, the right to peaceful enjoyment of their property.” They expressed frustration over what they see as a lack of action by local law enforcement, which they believe has enabled trespassers to occupy their property.
The representative further clarified that the Littrells do not wish to harm anyone but want to reclaim their property rights. A hearing related to the case is set for next month, as both sides prepare to present their arguments in court. The situation has garnered attention not only due to Littrell’s celebrity status but also for the complex legal implications surrounding beach property rights in Florida.
