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Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter is facing fresh legal troubles as a woman named Laura Penly has filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and transmitting sexually transmitted diseases. The lawsuit, recently obtained by People magazine, details allegations dating back to 2004-2005.
According to court documents, Penly claims she met Carter when she was approximately 19 years old, and they initially engaged in a consensual sexual relationship for several weeks. She alleges that despite her requests for him to use protection, Carter refused, assuring her he was "clean" of sexually transmitted infections.
The lawsuit describes a pivotal incident in early 2005 at Carter's Hollywood apartment. Penly states she visited with no intention of sexual activity, but claims Carter insisted that was "the only reason" for her visit. She alleges he then "forcefully" assaulted her despite her repeated refusals.
"Nick does not recall ever even meeting Laura Penly. He certainly never had any romantic or sexual relationship with her. Ever," Carter's representatives stated to E! News, categorically denying the allegations.
In July 2005, Penly claims she was diagnosed with HPV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. The lawsuit further alleges these infections led to a stage two cervical cancer diagnosis in August 2005, requiring surgery and ongoing treatment.
"This is just 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," his legal team asserted in their statement, suggesting the timing coincides with Carter's professional milestones.
According to the filing reported by TMZ, Penly alleges Carter instructed her to remain silent about the assault, telling her "no one would believe her." She is pursuing damages in excess of $15,000 and demanding a jury trial.
This isn't Carter's first encounter with sexual assault allegations. Since 2017, at least four other women have come forward with similar claims, including Melissa Schuman, Ashley Repp, Shannon Ruth, and his former fiancée Melanie Martin. Their stories were featured in the 2024 documentary "Fallen Idols."
Carter, now 45, shares three children with his wife Laura Kitt: Odin (9), Saoirse (5), and Pearl (4). He has consistently maintained his innocence throughout previous allegations and even attempted to file a countersuit against Schuman for defamation, which a judge ultimately dismissed.
The lawsuit also claims Penly has faced harassment from Carter's fans after testifying against him in a deposition, citing "willful and conscious disregard" for her safety as grounds for damages.
