Aaron Carter: Bisexual singer found dead, aged 34
Aaron Carter. (Getty/ Gabe Ginsberg)
Bisexual singer Aaron Carter, brother of Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter, has died at just 34 years old.
According to the BBC, Carter was found in a bathtub in his home in Lancaster, California, on Saturday morning (5 November).
TMZ reported that his representatives said in a statement: “Right now it’s a really bad time, we’re trying to figure out what happened and what the cause of it was.
“We’re just as upset as everyone and hope that fans can give thoughts and prayers to his family.”
Carter, who came out as bisexual in 2017, was a child star, beginning his music career by opening for his brother’s boy band, Backstreet Boys.
He became a popular pop star in the 1990s and early 2000s, releasing his first album when he was just nine years old.
He had two top 10 UK hits – “Crush On You” and “Crazy Little Party Girl” – but later moved into rap, doing away with his child star image.
Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys with little brother Aaron Carter at the 2000 Billboard Music Awards. (Getty/ Kevin Winter)
Throughout his later life, Carter struggled with addiction, and entered rehab multiple times. In 2019, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
He had tumultuous relationships with his siblings, accusing two of them of abuse, and brother Nick and sister Angel both filed restraining orders against him.
Carter had a son, Prince, in 2021 with Melanie Martin, who told TMZ: “My fiancé Aaron Carter has passed away. I love Aaron with all my heart and it’s going to be a journey to raise a son without a father.
“Please respect the privacy of my family as we come to terms with the loss of someone we love greatly.
“We are still in the process of accepting this unfortunate reality. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.”
The music world shared tributes to Carter, expressing their shock and grief after the news was announced.
Hillary Duff, with whom Carter starred in an episode of Lizzie McGuire, shared on Instagram: “For Aaron – I’m deeply sorry that life was so hard for you and that you had to struggle in front of the whole world.
“You had a charm that was absolutely effervescent… boy did my teenage self love you deeply. Sending love to your family at this time. Rest easy.”
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New Kids on the Block tweeted: “We are shocked and saddened about the sudden passing of Aaron Carter. Sending prayers to the Carter family. Rest in peace, Aaron.”
“This Aaron Carter news is heartbreaking,” wrote singer-songwriter Tyler Hilton.
“This kid had such a spark. Known him for years and always really liked him, he was warm and really funny. Loved putting on a show and he was good at it.”
We are shocked and saddened about the sudden passing of Aaron Carter. Sending prayers to the Carter family. Rest in peace, Aaron ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rDUcE4i8Iy— New Kids on the Block (@NKOTB) November 5, 2022
No…. This @aaroncarter news is heartbreaking… this kid had such a spark. Known him for years and always really liked him, he was warm and really funny. Loved putting on a show and he was good at it. Ill find some pics of us and post more later… damn RIP budddd #aaroncarter
— Tyler Hilton (@TylerHilton) November 5, 2022
Being a child star is rough and unfortunately many don't come out unscathed. RIP Aaron Carter.— Mo County (@mocountymusic) November 5, 2022
We are saddened by the news of the sudden passing of Aaron Carter today. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans during this difficult time. Rest In Peace Aaron #gonetosoon pic.twitter.com/4bZR8xStT8— *NSYNC (@NSYNC) November 6, 2022
Diane Warren added: “Fame at a young age is often more a curse than a blessing and surviving it is not easy. RIP Aaron Carter.”
