Backstreet Boys Nick Carter has issued response to allegations made by Melissa Schuman that she was forced to have sex with the former boyband member. 

He said: “I am shocked and saddened by Ms Schuman’s accusations. Schuman 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 Schuman both personally and professionally.

“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.”

Carter, 37, addressed her allegation for the first time in a statement issued to PEOPLE. 

In a recent blog post, Schumer alleged that the singer forcefully performed oral sex on her and made her reciprocate the act on him.

Following that, Schuman – who was a virgin at the time – then claimed that Carter took her to his bedroom and had sex with her without her consent, with her repeatedly telling the pop star that she was saving herself for marriage.

According to Schuman, the assault took place in Carter’s Santa Monica house in 2002 during a ‘casual hangout.’ She admits to have willingly shared a kiss with him but did not want things to go any further. 

Following the alleged incident, Schuman went on to sign with Carter’s manager Kenneth Crear and recorded several songs, including a duet with Carter.