Nick Carter’s legal battle continues as a Nevada judge has granted permission for his counterclaim against Shannon Ruth to proceed. On November 26, Judge Nancy L. Allf denied Ruth’s anti-SLAPP motion, stating she “failed to satisfy her burden” in challenging Carter’s claims.
Carter’s counterclaim stems from Ruth’s lawsuit filed in 2022, where she accused him of raping her on a tour bus in Tacoma in 2001 when she was just 17 years old. In response, Carter alleges that Ruth, along with another accuser, Melissa Schuman, has exploited the #MeToo movement to orchestrate a five-year conspiracy aimed at damaging his reputation and seeking financial gain.
According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, the judge’s ruling highlighted Ruth’s inability to specify the statements that formed the basis of her anti-SLAPP motion. The court concluded that any statements not specifically addressed do not warrant a reversal of the district court’s order.
Carter’s legal team asserts that it would have been “impossible” for Ruth to have been assaulted on the tour bus, providing evidence from witnesses and security personnel who confirmed that there was no opportunity for fans to be alone with band members following concerts. They argue that Carter left the venue shortly after the show and was transported directly to a hotel.
In his counterclaim, Carter is seeking damages for defamation, claiming that Ruth’s allegations are unfounded and part of a broader effort to vilify him. He has also filed a separate $2.5 million defamation lawsuit against Schuman, who accused him of sexual assault in 2023.
As this case unfolds, it adds to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Carter, who has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct over the years. His legal team maintains that he did not commit any wrongdoing and is determined to clear his name.
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