Ruth filed her lawsuit in 2022, alleging Carter sexually assaulted her on a tour bus in Tacoma when she was 17 and he was 21. She accused him of sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Carter has denied the allegations and countersued Ruth and Melissa Schuman, another accuser, in February 2023, claiming the women conspired to defame him for fame and financial gain using the #MeToo movement.
Carter's legal team provided evidence disputing Ruth's claims, including testimony from Backstreet Boys security personnel and fans who confirmed no autograph line existed after the concert. Witnesses stated Carter left the venue quickly and was immediately transported to the Four Seasons Hotel in Seattle.
"It would be impossible for any fan to be alone with any band member on their tour bus," Carter's filing asserts. A former band associate, Susan Riggs, testified she observed Carter leave the venue directly after the performance, while fan Ashley Large noted no post-show autograph session occurred.
Carter's team also pointed to inconsistencies in Ruth's account, including details about a "VIP Drink" she alleged he served her, timelines of the incident, and specific actions she attributed to him. In his request for summary judgment, Carter argued Ruth's testimony lacked credibility and should be dismissed.
In addition to Ruth's case, Carter is pursuing a $2.5 million defamation countersuit against Schuman, approved in August 2023. Both women's claims are part of broader allegations Carter has faced since 2017, including a third accuser who sued in August 2023, alleging he assaulted her at age 15 in 2003. Carter has denied all accusations, with his legal team asserting the claims are baseless.
"Based on the significant evidentiary record, Carter did not rape Ruth, and her evolving story fails to present a credible issue for a reasonable jury," Carter's legal filing states.
Lawyers for Ruth have not commented on the ruling. As the case proceeds, Carter continues to challenge the accusations while maintaining his innocence.
