Nick Carter has filed a countersuit against a woman who claimed he sexually assaulted her in 2001. Shannon Ruth, who is now 43, said she was 17 at the time.
Carter filed his counterclaim on Thursday and, per court documents obtained by ABC News, is seeking in excess of $2.35 million in damages, which he estimates is the amount of money he and the Backstreet Boys lost in canceled appearances and endorsement deals since she came forward with her claims in December.
Carter's lawyers refute Ruth's allegations that he sexually assaulted her after a BSB concert in Tacoma, Washington. They also questioned Ruth's credibility by citing previous claims she made against him that "changed repeatedly and materially over time."
His team claims Ruth's assault allegations were previously investigated and no criminal charges were recommended.
Carter's team further alleges Ruth is being coached by former Dream singer Melissa Schuman, who accused Nick of sexual assault in 2017, and father Jerome Schuman. Carter previously denied Schuman's allegation and claims in his countersuit that the father and daughter are working with Ruth as part of an extortion attempt to take advantage of the #MeToo movement.
The singer's attorney, Michael Holtz, said in a statement, "Nick has been the target of a malicious and long-running conspiracy. He has never done the outrageous things of which he has been accused; in fact, he is the victim of a calculated and concerted disinformation campaign designed to destroy his reputation."
Ruth's attorney released a statement to ABC News about Carter's counter-claims, which said, "Why should Nick Carter be believed with his long history of abusing females. A jury will weigh the evidence and decide."
If you are affected by abuse and needing support, or know someone who is, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). You can also chat online at thehotline.org or online.rainn.org, respectively.