Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter will not be prosecuted for rape following allegations that surfaced against the singer late last year.
As previously reported, Carter was accused of rape by singer Melissa Schuman, a former member of girl group Dream, in November 2017. The alleged incident occurred in 2003, with Schuman claiming that Carter raped her after she refused to perform oral sex on him.
As TMZ now reports, the L.A. County District Attorney's Office will not be pressing charges against Carter because the statute of limitations has expired.
Following the claims against Carter, he released a statement claiming his innocence. He wrote, "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."
In response to the recent legal decision, Carter's lawyer told TMZ, "Nick Carter was vindicated today when the L.A. County District Attorney's Office rejected the charges against him. 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."
Holt added, "He is happy to put this matter behind him."
As previously reported, Carter was accused of rape by singer Melissa Schuman, a former member of girl group Dream, in November 2017. The alleged incident occurred in 2003, with Schuman claiming that Carter raped her after she refused to perform oral sex on him.
As TMZ now reports, the L.A. County District Attorney's Office will not be pressing charges against Carter because the statute of limitations has expired.
Following the claims against Carter, he released a statement claiming his innocence. He wrote, "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."
In response to the recent legal decision, Carter's lawyer told TMZ, "Nick Carter was vindicated today when the L.A. County District Attorney's Office rejected the charges against him. 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."
Holt added, "He is happy to put this matter behind him."
