The Backstreet Boys are back, in the headlines that is, but it's for something they're definitely not proud of.
Back in February, an unnamed woman filed a police report in which she alleged that one of the members of the iconic 90s boy band, Nick Carter, had sexually assaulted her.
Although the Santa Monica Police Department wouldn't reveal who filed the complaint against the singer, people were quick to assume that the accuser was singer Melissa Schuman.
Around the time the rape allegations came to light, Schuman, a former member of the girl group Dream, posted a tweet that made it seem like she was the victim.
"I'm finally doing what I thought I could no longer do," she tweeted on February 7. "I'm filing a police report #timesup #bebrave #bethechange #metoo thank you @RAINN [the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network] for empowering me to take this step."
I'm finally doing what I thought I could no longer do. Im filing a police report #timesup ✊🻠#bebrave #bethechange #metoo thank you @RAINN for empowering me to take this step.
— MelissaSchuman (@MelissaSchuman) February 7, 2018
A few months prior, after the accusations against Harvey Weinstein came to light, Schuman wrote a detailed post about her encounter with Carter on her blog, Melissa Explains It All. At the time, she claimed that the incident took place at the "I Want It That Way" singer's apartment.
She added that she and her friend had gone to Carter's place for some drinks and at one point they shared a consensual kiss. However, things took a turn when Carter, who was 22 at the time, took her to the bathroom and started unbuttoning her pants.
"He took off my pants anyway and then proceeded to perform oral sex on me," wrote Schuman, who was 18 when the alleged incident took place. "I told him to stop, but he didn't." She said that Carter forced her to perform sexual acts on him before taking her to his bedroom and wouldn't let her escape.
Schuman said she wasn't able to report Carter because she was told by her manager that he had a very strong legal team backing him up.
15 years later, inspired by the #MeToo movement and the thousands of women coming forward with their stories, Schuman decided it was time to report Carter.
In the wake of the allegations, Carter released a statement via TMZ in which he vehemently denied everything he was accused of.
"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."
Now, after a few months of investigating, the Santa Monica PD has decided to present Carter's case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
"A case was presented by the Santa Monica Police Department on July 31 involving Nick Carter, a spokesperson for the L.A. District Attorney told E! News. "It remains under review."
E! News also confirmed with Lieutenant Saul Rodriguez of the Santa Monica PD that the case is about a sexual assault incident that took place in 2003.
"I can confirm a victim came forward to Santa Monica PD in Feb. 2018 regarding an alleged sexual misconduct involving Mr. Carter in 2003," Rodriguez said. "Following an investigation, the case was presented to the LA DA's Office on July 31, 2018 for review. No additional details are available."
Many outlets have reached out to Carter and his team, but he has yet to respond to this latest development.
