Nick Carter says he’s « shocked and saddened » by accusations made by a singer who said he raped her about 15 years ago.
NEW YORK (AP) – Nick Carter says he’s « shocked and saddened » by accusations made by a singer who said he raped her about 15 years ago.
Melissa Schuman of the girl group Dream wrote in a blog post earlier this month that she was « forced to engage in an act against my will. » She said the Backstreet Boy took her virginity when she was 18 and he was 22.
« 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, » Carter said in a statement released Wednesday. « We went on to record a song and perform together, and I was always respectful and supportive of Melissa both personally and professionally. »
Dream was signed to Sean « Diddy » Combs’ Bad Boy Records in the earlier 2000s and produced the hit « He Loves U Not. » Schuman wrote that Carter invited her to his apartment and assaulted her against her will. She said she « felt scared and trapped. He was visually and clearly growing very angry and impatient with me. I couldn’t leave. »
She said she tried to speak up after the incident, but that she didn’t « have the money, the clout or access to an attorney who was powerful enough to stand up against my abuser’s legal counsel. »
« I feel I have an obligation now to come forward with the hope and intention to inspire and encourage other victims to tell their story. We are stronger in numbers, » she wrote.
Carter said Wednesday « 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, » he said.
The Backstreet Boys launched a residency in Las Vegas this year and have concert planned for next year.
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Online:
Melissa Schuman’s blog post: https://melissaexplainsitall.wordpress.com
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