Nick Carter, a member of the iconic boy band Backstreet Boys, is facing serious new allegations of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed by Laura Penly, who claims the singer assaulted her multiple times in 2005. The lawsuit, lodged in Nevada, accuses Carter of not only sexual assault but also of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that led to Penly's diagnosis of cervical cancer.
According to the court documents reviewed by various news outlets, Penly alleges that she met Carter in late 2004 when she was just 19 years old. She claims that during their initial interactions, they engaged in a consensual sexual relationship, meeting approximately every few weeks when she traveled from Oregon to Los Angeles. However, she asserts that the dynamics changed dramatically during their encounters.
Penly's lawsuit details that during one visit in early 2005, she requested that Carter use protection, but he allegedly refused, claiming he was 'clean' of STIs. The complaint states that when Penly returned to his Hollywood apartment, she intended to watch movies, but Carter allegedly insisted that the only reason she was there was to have sex. Penly alleges that despite her repeated refusals, Carter forcefully assaulted her on his bed.
In the aftermath of this alleged assault, Penly claims she was diagnosed with multiple STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, following a doctor's appointment in July 2005. It was also during this visit that cancerous cells were discovered, leading to her eventual diagnosis of Stage 2 cervical cancer by August 2005. The lawsuit states that she underwent numerous treatments as a result.
Penly is seeking damages exceeding $15,000 and demands a jury trial, asserting that the trauma from the assaults has caused her severe emotional distress, physical anguish, and ongoing medical issues.
In response to the allegations, Carter’s attorneys, Liane K. Wakayama and Dale Hayes, Jr., issued a statement vehemently denying the claims. They described the lawsuit as “more of the same nonsense from the gang of conspirators and their lawyers who continue to abuse the justice system to try to ruin Nick Carter.” They further asserted that Carter does not recall ever meeting Penly and has never had any romantic or sexual relationship with her.
“It’s drawn from the same predictable playbook – lie in wait for decades until Mr. Carter is celebrating a professional milestone, then hide behind litigation privilege to make utterly false claims in an attempt to inflict maximum damage on Nick and his family,” the attorneys stated. They also indicated plans to seek sanctions against Penly's legal team for what they termed a frivolous lawsuit.
This latest lawsuit marks the fourth sexual assault allegation against Carter. In 2017, Melissa Schuman, a former member of the girl group Dream, accused him of raping her in 2003 when she was 18. Schuman's case is set to go to trial in December 2025. Another accuser, Shannon Ruth, claimed in December 2022 that Carter raped her when she was just 17 years old in 2001. Ruth's case is reportedly being heard alongside that of Ashley Repp, who alleged Carter sexually assaulted her multiple times in 2003 when she was only 15.
Carter has countersued both Repp and Ruth for defamation, although a judge ruled in August 2024 that he could not pursue a countersuit against Repp. The legal battles have continued to unfold, with the upcoming trials expected to draw significant media attention.
Penly's allegations have sparked discussions about the broader issues of sexual assault and accountability in the entertainment industry, particularly in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Gianna N. Elliot, Penly's attorney, emphasized the courage it takes for survivors to come forward, stating, “This lawsuit aims to change that pattern,” and expressing hope that it empowers other survivors to raise their voices against their abusers.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the scrutiny on Carter continues, with many watching closely to see how these allegations will impact his career and the legacy of the Backstreet Boys. Fans and critics alike are engaged in heated discussions about the implications of these lawsuits, with some expressing support for the accusers while others defend Carter.
In light of these developments, it’s clear that the legal battles surrounding Nick Carter are far from over, and the outcomes could have lasting effects on all parties involved. The music industry, which has often been criticized for its handling of sexual misconduct allegations, faces renewed calls for accountability and change.
For those affected by sexual assault or abuse, organizations like Rape Crisis offer support, and individuals can reach out to hotlines for assistance. In the U.S., Rainn can be contacted at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
