Backstreet Boy Nick Carter Has Been Accused Of Sexual Assault

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Nick Carter Love Can't Wait music video

Nick Carter of Backstreet Boys is facing new sexual assault allegations by Melissa Schuman of the 2000s girl group Dream. Schuman recently came forward with the allegations in a lengthy blog post, where she detailed an alleged incident where Carter performed sexual acts on her, and reportedly took her virginity despite her repeatedly asking him to stop. In the post, Schuman explained she and her friend went to Carter's house for a "casual hangout" about 15 years ago, and the situation became a traumatizing moment for Schuman. She wrote,

After kissing for a moment, he took my hand and brought me into the bathroom adjacent to his office. He shut the door and we continued to kiss. I asked him what we were doing in there. He didn't respond and continued to kiss me. He then pick me up, put me on the bathroom counter and started to unbutton my pants. I told him I didn't want to go any further. He didn't listen. He didn't care.

Melissa Schuman also blogged that she turned off the bathroom light, because she did not want to see what was happening. But Nick Carter allegedly continued, turning it on because he wanted to look at her while they engaged in sex. Schuman said she declined to perform oral sex on Carter, which angered him. The Dream star revealed she "felt scared and trapped" throughout the ordeal, so she followed Carter through the house to his bedroom. There, Schuman allegedly told Carter she was a virgin and saving herself for marriage. She wrote,

I said it over and over again. He whispered in my ear as to entice me, 'I could be your husband.'

Melissa Schuman said she initially wanted to press charges against Nick Carter after the alleged assault. But she took advice from her former manager, who urged her not to speak out, because Carter had a powerful defense attorney. So, Schuman kept quiet until she read a news article about another woman recently coming forward with allegations Carter sexually assaulted her in 2006. Schuman said she read negative comments directed toward the alleged victim in the case, so she decided she had "an obligation" to speak up and offer her personal story. In response, Carter told Rolling Stone,

I am shocked and saddened by Ms. Schuman's accusations. Melissa never expressed to me while we were together or at any time since that anything we did was not consensual. We went on to record a song and perform together, and I was always respectful and supportive of Melissa both personally and professionally. This is the first that I am hearing about these accusations, nearly two decades later. It is contrary to my nature and everything I hold dear to intentionally cause someone discomfort or harm.

Melissa Schuman closed by writing she "never wanted anybody to know" what happened. The singer said she tried "to lock it in a box" in her head, and "let the memories slowly suffocate as time went on." However, Schuman said she hopes speaking out will "inspire and encourage other victims to tell their story." Schuman closed, writing,

We are stronger in numbers. If you are reading this and you have been assaulted, know you don't have to be silent and you are not alone. I know it's scary. I'm scared. I believe you. I stand with you and together I hope we can bring light to things that have been lost in the darkness for so long.

Melissa Schuman later tweeted words of gratitude for people who sent her messages of kindness and support. She tweeted,

This report adds to a growing number of headlines regarding people speaking out about alleged sexual offenses by people in Hollywood. It is not clear what will happen next in this particular matter or the other investigation of sexual assault charges against Nick Carter. We'll stay tuned to see if and how the cases move forward.

Nicholas Anthem