LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nick Carter, the former member of the boy band Backstreet Boys, has filed a defamation lawsuit against his sexual assault accusers. Carter, 43, is fighting back against the allegations, claiming that his accusers are attempting to extort money from him. In legal documents obtained by The Blast, Carter asserts that he will not allow his name to be tarnished by individuals seeking to profit from his celebrity status.
The pop star strongly denies the sexual assault allegations and argues that he is the victim of an extortion plot. Carter alleges that his accusers have embarked on a five-year conspiracy to defame and harass him, taking advantage of the #MeToo movement.
According to the legal documents, the allegations originated from a blog post by Melissa Schuman in 2017. Schuman accused Carter of sexually assaulting her in 2003, sparking a chain of accusations. Carter claims that Schuman and her family recruited two other individuals as part of their defamation plot.
Carter also contends that his alleged co-conspirators previously attempted to extort money from him through civil attorneys. However, these plans fell through when lawyers examined the allegations. Furthermore, the lawsuit highlights that the accusers joined forces with Aaron Carter, Nick’s younger brother, who passed away in November 2022 at the age of 34, as part of their extortion scheme.
In a tragic twist, the documents reveal that Aaron had apologized to Nick for his involvement in the smear campaign and publicly declared the accusers to be liars before his death.
Nick Carter is seeking $2,350,000 in damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.
Carter’s defamation lawsuit against his sexual assault accusers places him at the center of a fierce legal battle to clear his name. As the former Backstreet Boys member fights to prove his innocence, the allegations and subsequent litigation shed light on the challenges faced by celebrities in the age of #MeToo.
This lawsuit comes in the wake of the global movement against sexual harassment and assault, which has toppled powerful figures in various industries. As more individuals come forward to share their stories, the delicate balance between supporting survivors and ensuring due process for the accused becomes increasingly complex.
The outcome of this case is significant not only for Nick Carter personally but also for the larger conversation surrounding sexual assault allegations in the entertainment industry. As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact both Carter’s career and the broader societal dialogue on this issue.