ABC will no longer telecast the holiday special “A Very Backstreet Holiday” featuring the Backstreet Boys.
According to Variety, the program, which was scheduled to debut on December 14, was canceled when vocalist Nick Carter was accused of raping a 17-year-old female during the boy band’s 2001 tour.
Carter, along with bandmates AJ McLean, Kevin Richarson, Brain Littrell, and Howie Dorough, shot the holiday special in Los Angeles earlier this month, featuring songs from their 10th studio album, “A Very Backstreet Christmas.”
In addition to Seth Rogen, Meghan Trainor, Rob Riggle, Nikki Glaser, Ron Funches, and Atsuko, the program was also expected to feature Rob Riggle, Nikki Glaser, Ron Funches, and Atsuko.
Shannon “Shay” Ruth claims she was raped by Nick Carter when she was 17 years old.
Thursday in Nevada, Shannon “Shay” Ruth, 39, filed a sexual violence lawsuit against Carter, alleging she was sexually abused and infected with HP at the age of 17.
Ruth stated at a news conference alongside her attorneys at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, “The last 21 years have been filled with agony, bewilderment, frustration, embarrassment, and self-harm as a direct result of Nick Carter raping me.”
Ruth, who disclosed she has autism and cerebral palsy, claims the sexual attack occurred in February 2001 in Tacoma, Washington, while the Backstreet Boys were performing.
Ruth claims during the press conference that she was invited back to the band’s tour bus after being selected from a throng of autograph seekers by Carter.
Ruth stated at the press conference that she feared she would “go to jail” if she disclosed the alleged sexual assault to anyone.
Ruth recounted the interaction as follows: “Carter attempted to intimidate me into silence… he was hostile and frightening.”
Carter, 42, has openly denied all charges against him through his counsel.
The Backstreet Boys member’s attorney, Michael Holtz, stated in a statement obtained by Page Six, “This allegation regarding an incident that allegedly occurred more than two decades ago is not only legally baseless but also completely false.”
Holtz indicated that Ruth has been influenced into making false accusations against Nick for several years.
Additionally, Carter’s counsel asserts that the claims have altered “repeatedly and substantially over time” and are “a publicity hoax perpetrated by an opportunistic attorney.”
»ABC pulls Backstreet Boys’ holiday special following a rape allegation against Nick Carter«