A new documentary examining the lives of Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter and his late brother, pop singer Aaron Carter, is set to release on April 15 on Paramount+. The two-part series, titled “The Carters: Hurts to Love You,” will be narrated by the brothers’ sister, Angel Carter Conrad. Angel will discuss the family’s struggles with fame, addiction, and mental health issues, hoping to transform their past into a message of hope for others facing similar challenges.
The documentary will feature home videos, family photos, audio recordings, and private text messages. Interviews with friends of the Carters, such as Melissa Joan Hart and Scout Willis, will be included. The film is directed by Soleil Moon Frye, known for her work on “Kid 90” in 2021.
Aaron Carter tragically passed away on November 5, 2022, at the age of 34, after being found unresponsive in his bathtub. His death was ruled an accident, attributed to inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam. Nick Carter has been accused of sexual assault by three women, including Shannon “Shay” Ruth and Dream singer Melissa Schuman.
Fame and mental health struggles
He has denied the allegations and countersued the women for defamation. The documentary aims to provide an intimate look at the highs and lows faced by the Carter family, offering viewers a poignant exploration of their lives and struggles.
In the trailer, a weeping Nick says, “Five kids, we’re all that’s left,” as he and Angel comfort each other. Angel reflects on Aaron’s life, saying, “Imagine being a child and walking like an adult, having your childhood taken away from you.”
Melissa Joan Hart laments Aaron’s unrealized potential, saying, “He was such a beautiful boy; he had so much to live for.” Scout Willis comments on the immense pressure Aaron faced as a child star. The documentary shines a light on the family’s struggle with mental health issues, drug addiction, and the neglect that often accompanies life in the spotlight.
Angel discusses the deep-rooted mental health disorders and how fame and money contributed to their destruction. Footage of Aaron’s decline, which played out over social media, is included. A friend recalls, “Things started to spiral for Aaron; he was in a very dark place, oh my god he’s gonna kill somebody, then he’s gonna kill himself.”
The documentary hopes to transform the Carters’ painful past into a message of hope and purpose for others facing similar challenges.
Angel concludes the trailer with a hopeful message: “It’s sadness and chaos, but it’s love too.”
“The Carters: Hurts to Love You” airs April 15 on Paramount+ and explores the deep impact of fame, addiction, and mental health on one of America’s most well-known families.
Photo by; christopher lemercier on Unsplash
