Brian Littrell, a member of the iconic boy band Backstreet Boys, has initiated legal action against a woman for allegedly trespassing on his private beach property in Florida. The 50-year-old singer claims that Carolyn Barrington Hill, 67, repeatedly invaded his $3.8 million residence in Santa Rosa Beach, causing distress to him and his family.
The civil lawsuit, filed in September 2023, seeks $50,000 in damages. Littrell and his wife, Leighanne Littrell, 56, assert that Hill entered their property without permission and verbally confronted their property manager on multiple occasions from late April to mid-September. The couple alleges that Hill has engaged in a campaign to “antagonize, bully, and harass” them, despite their efforts to secure the area with “no trespassing” signs and beach furniture.
Allegations of Harassment and Misconduct
According to legal documents, Hill allegedly placed her own beach furniture on Littrell’s property and shouted obscenities at the property manager when asked to leave. The couple claims she even recorded them without their consent and encouraged others to trespass on their land. In response to the ongoing situation, the Littrells hired private security for protection and ultimately sought assistance from the local law enforcement, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, which is now also facing a lawsuit.
The lawsuit against the sheriff’s office, filed on June 19 by Littrell’s company, BLB Beach Hut LLC, accuses them of failing to enforce the private property rights of the Littrell family. Court documents indicate that “numerous trespassers” have regularly violated the property, leading to ongoing harassment. Under Florida law, while the wet sand area of beaches is public, the dry sand above the mean high-water line is typically privately owned, creating complex legal issues regarding access.
Footage obtained by News 13 shows a May incident where Hill became agitated after being asked to relocate from the sand. During the encounter, a deputy attempted to mediate the situation, suggesting that she could find another area to enjoy the beach. Hill, however, claimed that Littrell’s property manager had threatened her with an electric drill, stating her intention to use pepper spray if approached again. The property manager confirmed the interaction, clarifying that he did not intend the drill as a weapon but rather as a tool for maintenance.
Legal Moves and Future Proceedings
In response to the lawsuit, Hill has filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the complaint is insufficient and seeks to impede her constitutional right to access public beaches in Walton County, Florida. A hearing regarding this motion is scheduled for next month, and both parties are preparing for the legal battle ahead.
After the lawsuit against the sheriff’s office was filed, a representative for Littrell expressed that the singer and his family simply desire to enjoy their property peacefully. They claim that the sheriff’s office has not effectively addressed the issue, allowing trespassers to continue occupying the Littrells’ property. The representative stated, “We are not looking to harm anyone. We just want our property back.”
As the situation unfolds, the Littrells remain committed to protecting their rights and property while navigating the legal complexities surrounding private beach ownership. The case highlights the ongoing tensions related to property rights and public access to coastal areas, which continue to challenge homeowners and local authorities alike.
