Nick Carter is being sued for sexual battery after allegations he assaulted an underage teenage woman following a Backstreet Boys live performance in 2001, Us Weekly can verify.
Shannon Ruth, now 39, alleged in her Thursday, December 8, court docket submitting that the Backstreet Boys singer, now 42, forcibly raped her after she attended a February 2001 live performance in Tacoma, Washington, per paperwork obtained by Us. She was 17 on the time.
Ruth — who’s on the autism spectrum and has cerebral palsy — claimed that Carter invited her to affix him on his tour bus whereas she was ready in line for an autograph after the present.
The court docket paperwork alleged that the Florida native provided Ruth a red-colored drink, which she drank to “not be impolite.” The alleged sufferer additionally claimed that Carter uncovered himself to her and had her carry out oral intercourse on him “underneath duress.” Carter has not publicly addressed the claims.
Ruth, who can be suing the musician for intentional and negligent infliction of emotional misery, claimed in her Thursday submitting that she was a virgin previous to her encounter with Carter.
The “No Place” crooner — who married Lauren Kitt in 2014, with whom he shares three kids — was beforehand accused of sexual assault by Dream singer Melissa Schuman. The 38-year-old “He Loves You Not” songstress alleged in November 2017 that Carter assaulted her when she was 18 and he was 22 after filming scenes for his or her TV film The Hole.
“I’m shocked and saddened by Ms. Schuman’s accusations. Melissa by no means expressed to me whereas we had been collectively or at any time since that something we did was not consensual,” Carter instructed Us in an announcement on the time, denying the allegations. “We went on to document a track and carry out collectively, and I used to be at all times respectful and supportive of Melissa each personally and professionally. That is the primary that I’m listening to about these accusations, almost 20 years later. It’s opposite to my nature and every part I maintain pricey to deliberately trigger somebody discomfort or hurt.”
AJ McLean additionally dismissed the accusations as “bogus,” noting he stood beside his bandmate. “I completely assist my brother,” McLean, 44, instructed TMZ in December 2017. “He’s a gentleman, a scholar and a father and a pricey pal and I utterly assist him.”
Following Schuman’s allegations about their supposed 2003 encounter, the Los Angeles District Lawyer opened an investigation. The DA’s workplace in the end declined to press costs towards Carter in September 2018, noting the statute of limitation had handed, Us confirmed.
“Nick has denied these allegations ever since he first realized of them final 12 months, and was assured the district legal professional would conclude that there was no foundation to pursue costs towards him,” Carter’s legal professional, Michael Holtz, instructed the BBC in an announcement on the time, noting the “Form or Your Coronary heart” performer was “blissful to place the matter behind him.”
Paris Hilton’s buddies beforehand accused Carter — who dated the heiress for 10 months earlier than their 2004 break up — of bodily abuse after Hilton, now 41, was photographed with bruises on her arms. Whereas the Paris In Love alum by no means accused Carter herself, he has denied the allegations.
“In the event that they want the media consideration, allow them to do their factor,” the “Name” singer mentioned in an August 2004 assertion to MTV Information. “My household, buddies and followers know that this isn’t my character and I might by no means damage somebody that I cared for or do something just like the malicious issues they’re claiming.”
Hilton, who declined to press costs regarding her accidents, instructed Folks later that month that she was “doing OK” and is “blissful to be single.”
In the event you or somebody have skilled sexual assault, name the Nationwide Sexual Assault Phone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 for confidential assist.
