Nick Carter is slated to be deposed under oath regarding multiple sexual assault allegations, which he vehemently denies. This development comes during a break from his Backstreet Boys residency.
Lawyers for one of the alleged victims, Laura Penly, requested more time from the court on October 20 to complete the singer’s deposition.
Melissa Schuman’s attorneys also stated difficulties in coordinating dates for the deposition. They noted it would likely span several days due to the number of parties involved.
Carter’s deposition is deemed crucial because he is seeking damages for alleged defamation. Both legal teams requested a 90-day extension, aiming to finalize Carter’s deposition by late January.
Carter is currently engaged in a successful Las Vegas residency with the Backstreet Boys, alongside bandmates Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, and Kevin Richardson.
The residency, which started in July, is set to resume on December 26 and continue until mid-February. This means Carter will face his deposition either during a break or in the midst of the ongoing performances.
The lawsuit in question was filed by Shannon Ruth, who accused Carter, 45, of sexual assault in 2001. Carter subsequently filed a counterclaim against Ruth and Schuman, 41.
Former pop star Schuman claims Carter assaulted her in 2002.
In his counterclaim, which also names Schuman’s father as a defendant, Carter alleged the three conspired to push false assault claims. He argued this was an attempt to extort a settlement from him.
Penly joined the lawsuit in April, asserting Carter assaulted her in 2005. Carter’s legal team has denied these allegations.
Carter’s lawyers, Liane K. Wakayama and Dale Hayes Jr., stated this is “the same old thing” from a group of conspirators. They accused them of abusing the judicial system to try and ruin Nick Carter.
The lawyers added that it follows a predictable script: waiting decades until Carter achieves a professional milestone before making false claims. This aims to cause maximum damage to him and his family.
In August 2024, Carter filed a separate lawsuit against Schuman in California, seeking $2.5 million for alleged emotional damages. Carter denied assaulting Schuman in a Los Angeles apartment. However, he admitted to consensual sexual relations with her.
His lawyer wrote, “At no time [Carter] sexually assaulted [Schuman] or any other person.”
Carter’s legal team suggested Schuman made false accusations for attention. They cited her “dwindling acting career,” which ended in 2015.
Ruth has denied the counter-allegations against her. She maintains her original claims that Carter assaulted her.