'N Sync and the Backstreet Boys: When Boy Bands Go Bad

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Nov 05, 2099 Source: VH1 Submitted By: Krista Both 'N Sync and the Backstreet Boys have seen their reputations tarnished this week. The first are involved in an ugly lawsuit, while a charitable organization has brought to VH1's attention an incident where the Backstreet Boys were unable to grant the wish of a young leukemia patient. Joshua "JC" Chasez of 'N Sync described the band's former manager Louis J. Pearlman as "unscrupulous and greedy." The unprecedented language is found in a counterclaim to Pearlman's $150 million lawsuit. The manager, along with his company Trans Continental Media, Trans Continental Records and BMG Records, is suing 'N Sync for breach of contract. Chasez's deposition says, "While hugging us and calling us 'family,' [Pearlman] was picking our pockets, robbing us of our future and even endangering our health." Chasez refers to the collapse of one member of the band from exhaustion. Pearlman auditioned band members and formed 'N Sync in 1996. But Chasez avers that although the fivesome sold 3 million copies of their self-titled debut album, the manager only paid them $25,000 and a small weekly salary. JC also alleges that Pearlman prevented the band from receiving legal consultation, never actually showed them their contracts with BMG and RCA, and prompted them to pay manager Johnny Wright more money in order to turn his attention away from his other charges - the Backstreet Boys. The band intends on filing a full countersuit against Pearlman. They will be looking for at least $25 million recompense for breach of contract, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty, reports Launch.com. Johnny Wright and the mothers of Justin Timberlake and Lance Bass have also filed written documents in the case. It's not something JC is looking forward to. He wrote in his statement: "We are painfully aware our careers may be brief. In truth, our fans made us a success...an injunction may be the end of 'N Sync. However we can not work with people who have lied to us." 'N Sync sparked the flurry of lawsuits when they announced they were leaving their RCA Records home for Jive Records. The Backstreet Boys have threatened to leave Jive if they are not made the label's priority boy band. The Backstreet Boys are currently on tour. One fan they won't be getting too up close and personal with is five-year-old Morgan Zalewski. She suffers from leukemia and it was hoped that the Rainbow Connection would help her meet the Boys when they play in Detroit. The Rainbow Connection tries to make wishes come true for terminally ill children. The Backstreet Boys, however, can't make the date. A publicist for the band told the Associated Press that they get "thousands and thousands" of requests every day and can not possibly grant them all. Patricia Flack, the director of Rainbow Connection, isn't impressed. She says they are "almost never" turned down. Will the Boys change their mind by the time they reach the Palace of Auburn Hills on November 6? Morgan Zalewski will be there. We'll keep you posted. Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: cheap seo services 808Fe1 This is really interesting, You're a very skilled blogger. I've joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks! Comment on this item. Next Item: Backstreet Boys Respond to Criticism Prev Item: Backstreet's Back With A Response