The following article contains allegations of sexual misconduct that some readers may find distressing.
Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter will not face rape charges in Los Angeles.
The boyband star had been accused earlier this year of sexual assault over a 2003 incident, after singer Melissa Schuman, of the girl group Dream, came forward with historic allegations while filing a new police report.
Schuman alleged that she’d been assaulted as an 18-year-old by Carter while they worked together on the ABC Family Halloween special The Hollow.
At the time, Carter told Digital Spy that he was “shocked and saddened” by the claims, and insisted that he’d always been “respectful and supportive of Melissa both personally and professionally”.
Santa Monica Police subsequently investigated her claims, but the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has chosen not to file charges because the case falls outside of California’s statute of limitations (via The Hollywood Reporter).
In response to this decision, Melissa Schuman spoke out to insist that she did not regret coming forward, and hoped it would inspire others to share their stories if they’d experienced similar trauma in their own lives.
Her statement read in full: “My family and I were well aware of the likelihood that my case was not prosecutable due to the statute of limitations in California regarding rape which was modified in 2016.
“It is unfortunate that the law isn’t fully retroactive to accommodate assaults that have happened in the past, regardless of how far back.
“It gives me great solace to know that my testimony is fully documented, investigated and sealed for the future if needed by law enforcement. I gave my statement, as did the other witnesses. Speaking out was the best thing I could have ever done for myself and I hope it inspires others to do the same if it feels right for them.”
Digital Spy also reached out Carter’s representatives for a response, and they told us: “Nick has denied these allegations ever since he first learned of them last year, and was confident the District Attorney would conclude that there was no basis to pursue charges against him. He is happy to put this matter behind him.”
Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of sexual violence. If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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