Introduction
Heidi Feek Sued by Faith-Based Group Amid Family Dispute Over 10-Year-Old Sister
Singer-songwriter Heidi Feek, eldest daughter of Rory Feek of the duo Joey + Rory, is facing a high-profile lawsuit from Homestead Heritage, a Texas-based faith community. The case stems from a tense family conflict over the care of her 10-year-old half-sister, Indiana.
According to court documents filed in federal court in Alabama, Homestead Heritage alleges that Heidi and the website Taste of Country defamed the community by spreading “false and harmful claims,” causing serious reputational damage. The group is seeking at least $250,000 in damages and a jury trial.
The dispute began after Heidi publicly claimed that Indiana was “not safe” being raised in Homestead Heritage, which she described as having “a troubling history of child abuse.” She also opposed her father Rory and his new wife Rebecca for restricting her contact with Indiana.
In response, Homestead denied the accusations, calling them “unequivocally false.” Spokesman Dan Lancaster said Heidi’s statements have “caused significant harm to our well-being and reputation,” insisting that past abuse cases were isolated incidents handled appropriately by both the church and law enforcement.
Heidi, 37, and her husband, musician Dillon Hodges, argue the lawsuit is nothing more than “an attempt to scare us into submission.” In a recent Instagram video, she said:
“We believe this lawsuit will open the door for others to share their stories. I just want to be in my little sister’s life and protect her.”
Meanwhile, Rory has publicly defended Homestead Heritage on his blog, rejecting claims that the community is a “cult” and emphasizing its simple agrarian lifestyle. He acknowledged that “bad apples” exist in any large group but said the community has had a positive impact on his family.
To cover mounting legal fees, which could reach six figures, Heidi and her sister Hopie have launched a GoFundMe campaign.
This lawsuit not only deepens the rift within the Feek family but also highlights broader debates around freedom of religion, child welfare, and the limits of free speech.