Melissa Schuman, the woman who accused Nick Carter of raping her in 2002, has filed a police report against the 38-year-old artist.
Schuman announced her decision on social media Wednesday, writing: “I’m finally doing what I thought I could no longer do. I’m filing a police report.” According to TMZ, Schuman submitted her claim to the Santa Monica Police Department on Wednesday; however, sources said the case will be handed over to the LAPD Special Crimes unit.
In November of 2017, Schuman came forward with sexual assault allegations against Carter, accusing him of raping her at the age of 18. She wrote about the alleged incident in a blog post titled “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anybody.” Schuman, a former member of the girl group Dream, said the assault occurred during a small get-together at Carter’s Santa Monica apartment. She claims the singer had taken her into his bathroom and performed oral sex on her without her consent. Schuman said Carter then demanded her to reciprocate, but when she refused he told her: “I did it for you and it’s only right you do it for me.” Feeling trapped, Schuman gave into his demands.
He was visually and clearly growing very angry and impatient with me. I couldn’t leave. It was evident to me, that i couldn’t leave. He was stronger and much bigger than me, and there was no way I would be able to open that door or have anyone help me. My friend couldn’t help me, I didn’t even know where she was. So when he placed my hand on his penis my thought was the only way to get out was to get him to finish what he had started. That’s where I saw myself, my reflection, watching myself do something that I was sicken by. Watching myself be assaulted, forced to engage in an act against my will.
Schuman said Carter didn’t stop there. After they left the bathroom, she said Carter took her into his bedroom and forced himself on her.
Carter has continued to deny the allegations, insisting any sexual contact he had with Schuman was consensual.
“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,” he said in a statement to Rolling Stone. “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.”
