Eric Hartter was an American tattoo artist who became publicly known due to his brief relationship with Kim Scott, the ex-wife of rapper Eminem, and as the biological father of Stevie Laine, formerly known as Whitney Scott Mathers. Although he never lived a celebrity life, his name circulated in the media because of his connection to Eminem’s family. Eric was known for his artistic skills, creativity, and passion for tattooing, but he also lived through many personal struggles involving addiction, legal issues, and emotional challenges. His life story includes moments of talent and hope, followed by difficulties, isolation, and a tragic ending. Despite his hardships, those who personally knew him remember a kind, sensitive man who battled inner demons he could not overcome.
Profile Summary: Eric Hartter
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eric Andrew Hartter |
| Date of Birth | January 22, 1979 |
| Place of Birth | Roseville, Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Tattoo Artist |
| Famous For | Biological father of Eminem’s adopted child, Stevie Laine |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Eye Color | Grey |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Parents | Mother: Marie Mastrogiovanni Hartter |
| Known Relationship | Kim Scott (Eminem’s ex-wife) |
| Children | Stevie Laine Scott (formerly Whitney Scott Mathers) |
| Legal Issues | Multiple drug possession & theft charges |
| Date of Death | August 2019 |
| Cause of Death | Accidental overdose (fentanyl & cocaine) |
| Place of Death | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Legacy | Remembered for artistic talent and connection to Eminem’s family |
Early Life and Background
Eric Hartter was born on January 22, 1979, in Roseville, Michigan. He grew up in a typical working-class American environment surrounded by family and neighborhood friends. His childhood was described as normal, but he showed signs of creativity from a young age. People who knew him as a child talked about his interest in drawing, sketching, and making art. This early interest would later lead him to become a tattoo artist. Eric’s personality growing up was gentle and quiet, yet expressive through art. His environment in Michigan—where tattoo culture was growing—gave him exposure to an artistic lifestyle that shaped his future career path.
Career as a Tattoo Artist
Eric entered the tattoo industry as a young adult after discovering his passion for creating designs and expressing stories through ink. He spent years developing his craft and earning the trust of clients. People who visited him for tattoos described him as talented, patient, and deeply focused on his art. His work style involved clean lines, bold shading, and detailed custom designs. Many believed he could have achieved greater recognition if life circumstances had gone differently. Despite his artistic ability, Eric’s career faced interruptions due to personal and legal problems. These challenges often pushed him away from the path he wanted to follow, limiting his stability and growth as an artist.
Relationship With Kim Scott
Eric Hartter met Kim Scott around 2001, during a time when Kim and Eminem were separated. Their relationship developed quickly but was troubled from the beginning. Kim was going through emotional and personal issues, while Eric was already involved in legal problems. Their time together was brief but intense, and it resulted in Kim becoming pregnant with their daughter. The couple faced constant challenges, including Eric’s criminal charges, instability, and emotional conflicts. Their relationship eventually ended not long after it began, but its impact shaped the future lives of Eric, Kim, and especially their child.
Birth of Whitney Scott (Now Stevie Laine)
In April 2002, Kim Scott gave birth to a daughter named Whitney Scott Mathers, who would later come out as non-binary and change their name to Stevie Laine. Eric was not present at the birth because he had active warrants for his arrest and was dealing with serious legal issues. Kim chose to keep Eric away from the baby due to concerns about his lifestyle. As a result, Eric had little or no involvement in Stevie’s early life. This distance created a disconnect that would never fully heal. Eric reportedly struggled emotionally with not being able to see his child, but his circumstances prevented him from building a stable relationship.
Eminem’s Adoption of Stevie
Eminem stepped into the father role soon after Stevie was born. He legally adopted Stevie when they were still a toddler, giving them a stable home and a consistent parental figure. Eminem raised Stevie alongside his other daughters, Hailie Jade and Alaina Marie Scott. He provided emotional support, security, and privacy—all things Eric was unable to offer due to his own struggles. Over the years, Stevie saw Eminem as their real father. Their bond grew strong, and Eminem openly shared how important all his daughters were to him. This adoption changed the family dynamic completely and placed Eric further outside Stevie’s life.
Eric Hartter’s Legal Issues and Struggles
Eric’s life was deeply affected by addiction and legal troubles. He was arrested multiple times for drug possession, including fentanyl and methamphetamine. One case involved stealing $200 worth of Red Bull from a CVS store, which added more charges to his record. He also failed to appear in court, leading to more warrants. His time in jail was marked by further problems—he was once caught with contraband, extending his sentence. These repeated issues made it nearly impossible for him to rebuild his life, maintain relationships, or reconnect with his child. Addiction controlled much of his life and led him into a cycle of instability he could not escape.
What Happened to Eric Hartter? (Cause of Death)
In August 2019, Eric Hartter was found dead in an abandoned house in Detroit, Michigan. He was only 40 years old. Reports confirmed that his death was caused by a drug overdose involving cocaine and fentanyl. The scene showed no signs of foul play, and it appeared he had been alone. His family was devastated, especially his mother, who struggled to cover his funeral costs and created a GoFundMe campaign requesting help. Public reports and obituary details painted a sorrowful picture of a talented man whose life ended far too soon due to addiction and the challenges he faced for many years.
Stevie Laine’s Discovery of the Truth
After Eric’s death, Stevie learned the truth about their biological father through an online article. In a TikTok video, Stevie expressed shock and confusion, sharing emotional questions like, “You’re my real dad, right?” The discovery was painful, especially because Eric had already passed away. Stevie revealed how difficult it was to process this new information and understand the complicated family history. Later, Stevie came out as non-binary and chose the name Stevie Laine, using they/she/he pronouns. This period marked a time of self-discovery, identity acceptance, and emotional healing.
How Friends and Family Remember Eric
Despite his legal issues, Eric was remembered fondly by many who knew him personally. His former partner, Sarah Hubbard, wrote loving tributes describing him as her best friend with a big heart. Friends from the tattoo community recalled his gentle nature and artistic skill. His mother expressed deep sadness over his passing, calling him a sensitive soul who struggled with addiction. These memories show a side of Eric that the public rarely saw—a kind, caring man buried beneath pain and personal battles.
Eminem’s Role as a Father and Provider
Eminem dedicated himself to raising Stevie and being a stable father figure. He often mentioned in interviews that his daughters helped him overcome his own addictions and motivated him to live better. Eminem’s commitment to his children shaped Stevie’s upbringing and gave them a supportive environment during a complicated childhood. Today, Eminem continues to support Stevie and his other daughters, keeping their family life private but strong. His involvement replaced the emotional void left by Eric’s absence and provided Stevie with guidance, love, and protection.
Eric Hartter’s Legacy
Eric Hartter’s legacy is a mixture of talent, struggle, and emotional complexity. Even though he was not present in Stevie’s upbringing, his life influenced the story of Eminem’s family in significant ways. His battle with addiction serves as a reminder of how difficult these struggles can be. His artistic talent continues to be remembered by those who worked with him. Stevie’s identity journey also reflects a desire to understand both parts of their family history—including the father they never met but still plays a part in their story.
Conclusion
Eric Hartter’s life was marked by creativity, struggle, and tragedy. From a talented tattoo artist to a man battling addiction, his journey highlights the reality faced by many people dealing with personal demons. His connection to Eminem’s family brought his name into the public eye, but behind the headlines was a person fighting battles few understood. His story also shows the power of love and stability—seen through Eminem’s role in raising Stevie. While Eric’s life ended too soon, his story remains an important reminder of compassion, empathy, and the lasting impact of choices, challenges, and family.
FAQs About Eric Hartter
1. Who was Eric Hartter?
Eric Hartter was an American tattoo artist best known as the biological father of Eminem’s adopted child, Stevie Laine. He gained public attention due to his connection to Eminem’s family.
2. How is Eric Hartter connected to Eminem?
Eric Hartter is the biological father of Stevie Laine (formerly Whitney Scott), whom Eminem legally adopted and raised as his own child.
3. What happened to Eric Hartter?
Eric Hartter died in 2019 after a suspected drug overdose. His body was found inside an abandoned house in Detroit, Michigan.
4. Why didn’t Eric Hartter raise his daughter?
Eric was unable to be present due to ongoing legal troubles, drug-related issues, and outstanding warrants, which prevented regular involvement in Stevie’s life.
5. What did Eric Hartter do for a living?
He worked as a professional tattoo artist known for his creativity and skill in Michigan’s tattoo community.
6. When did Eric Hartter die and what was the cause?
He died in August 2019, and toxicology reports revealed fentanyl and cocaine in his system, indicating an accidental overdose.
7. How did Stevie Laine react to learning Eric Hartter was her biological father?
Stevie learned the truth after his death and shared an emotional TikTok describing confusion, sadness, and the difficulty of processing their identity.
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