Prosecutors are considering whether to file sexual assault charges against Nick Carter, following claims he raped a singer in 2002. Melissa Schuman filed a police report against the Backstreet Boys star earlier this year, alleging he forced her to perform oral sex on him, before he raped her. According to the Daily Mail, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office has confirmed they are now reviewing the case, six months after the report was filed. The 38-year-old has vehemently denied the claims.
In a statement shared when the allegations first came to light, the I Want It That Way singer said: ‘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,’ he continued. ‘It is contrary to my nature and everything I hold dear to intentionally cause someone discomfort or harm.’ Melissa first made the allegations last November, detailing the alleged incident – which reportedly took place when she was 18 – in a blog post.
She said he invited her to his home for a gathering, before leading her into a bathroom where they started kissing. The 34-year-old claimed he then began to unbutton her trousers and ignored her objections before allegedly performing oral sex on her. She wrote that he then demanded she perform oral sex on him, before taking her to a bedroom, pushing her onto a bed and getting on top of her. Melissa said she repeatedly told him she was a virgin and waiting until marriage to have sex, but claimed he didn’t listen and allegedly raped her.
Speaking about why she decided to come forward, she later told People: ‘I was empowered to share my story because of the brave women who shared their stories before me. ‘My hope is that my experience further highlights the urgent need for open dialogue and education about consent and sexual assault. To those who have shared their stories with me, I see you.