Who are the women accusing Nick Carter of assault? Meet Melissa Schuman, Ashley Repp, and Shay Ruth

Investigation Discovery's new docuseries, "Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter," explores the brothers' ascent to stardom and their tumultuous lives.

The four-part documentary includes interviews with three women who have accused Nick Carter of sexual assault, with their legal cases still pending. It also examines Aaron Carter's battles with mental health and substance abuse, which culminated in his death in 2022 at the age of 34.

The docuseries spotlights allegations against Nick Carter from three women: Melissa Schuman of the girl group Dream, Ashley Repp, a friend of Aaron Carter's sister, and Shannon "Shay" Ruth, who was the first to file a lawsuit in December 2022.

Here's all you need to know about the women and their allegations against the Backstreet Boys member:

Melissa Schuman’s accusations against Nick Carter in "Fallen Idols"

Melissa Schuman, an American singer and actress best known for being a member of the girl group Dream, appears in "Fallen Idols" recounting her alleged assault by Nick Carter in 2003 during the filming of the TV movie "The Hollow.”

Schuman alleged that Nick invited her and a friend to his Santa Monica apartment for a casual hangout. He allegedly took her to the bathroom, forcibly performed oral sex on her despite her protests, and humiliated her by insisting the light remain on. Schuman also claimed that Nick then coerced her to reciprocate, becoming very angry when she refused.

According to Schuman, they moved to the bedroom where she repeatedly told him she was saving herself for marriage, but he ignored her pleas and sexually assaulted her. The next day, Nick allegedly texted her, asking, "why did you make me do that?" She shared that the message unsettled her, and her manager advised her against reporting the incident.

After Schuman disclosed the incident in a 2017 blog post, Kaya Jones, Nick’s ex-girlfriend and former member of the Pussycat Dolls, reached out to express her support for Schuman.

Ashley Repp’s accusations against Nick Carter in "Fallen Idols"

Aaron Carter's twin sister, Angel, was friends with Ashley Repp. During the summer of 2003, Ashley stayed with the family at their Florida Keys compound. 

In an August 2023 complaint, Repp accused Nick of providing her with alcohol, resulting in her intoxication, despite knowing she was underage. Carter then allegedly performed s***** acts on her without her consent. She also alleged that Nick repeatedly assaulted her and described another incident that occurred while they were on a boat.

Repp alleged that Nick Carter urged his three male friends to observe him “engage in s***** intercourse” through a skylight. As a result of these encounters with him, Repp purportedly contracted a sexually transmitted disease.

According to online records, Nick refuted Repp's accusations in a countersuit submitted in January 2024.

Shay Ruth’s accusations against Nick Carter in "Fallen Idols"

Another accuser featured in Fallen Idols is Shannon "Shay" Ruth, a former fan who was the first to file a lawsuit against Nick Carter in December 2022. Ruth has cerebral palsy and autism.

She claimed that she received an invitation to the Backstreet Boys' tour bus after attending a concert in Tacoma, Washington, in 2001. At only 17 years old, Ruth asserted that Nick s****** assaulted her on the bus. When she tried to resist and threatened to disclose the incident, he purportedly became aggressive and called her a “r******* b****”.

Nick Carter has refuted all accusations and filed a countersuit against his accusers in January 2024. Meanwhile, "Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter" can be streamed on Max, with the next two episodes scheduled for release on May 31.