Former Backstreet Boy Nick Carter has been accused of rape by Melissa Schuman, a member of the 2000s girl group Dream.
Schuman claimed in a blog post that Carter raped her in his Santa Monica apartment during an off day from shooting The Hollow in 2002, when she was 18 and Carter was 22.
She considered pressing charges at the time, but feared the effect it may have on her career. However, after seeing a similar report she decided to come forward.
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Schuman says Carter raped her in his Santa Monica apartment during an off day from shooting The Hollow in 2002, when she was 18 and Carter was 22.
According to her post, Carter invited Schuman and a friend of hers back to his apartment, where they had drinks when the rape happened.
She said she went to sleep on the bed, and when her friend woke her up the next day, Carter was gone. She and her friend left.
Schuman alleged that Carter began calling her excessively over the next few weeks.
"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. If you are reading this and you have been assaulted, know you don't have to be silent and you are not alone. I know it's scary. I'm scared."
"I believe you. I stand with you and together I hope we can bring light to things that have been lost in the darkness for so long."
Carter said in a statement the accusations came as a shock.
"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 2004, Carter denied reports he'd beaten then-girlfriend Paris Hilton.
Reuters / Newshub.
