The Carters aren’t necessarily the poster boys for brotherly love. The famous duo skyrocketed into the spotlight during the 90s, with Nick as part of the Backstreet Boys and Aaron as an adorable solo act with bangers like “I Want Candy.”
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Through the years, the relationship between the two has been turbulent, complete with love and support but clouded with accusations and, eventually, a restraining order.
It’s a bit complicated to sift through the messy situation, so Billboard has compiled a timeline of Nick and Aaron Carter’s estranged relationship. See it below.
2006 – House of Carters episode
The brotherly rivalry has been going on since the duo’s younger years, as revealed in their 2006 E! reality show, House of Carters. In a scene Aaron posted to Twitter on Tuesday (Sept. 17). “You’re going to turn the f—ing music down and respect me,” Nick shouts at his brother, who responds, “Don’t spit in my face!” They then get into a pretty serious physical altercation that needs to be broken up by their family members.
LEAVE ME ALONE. FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. IM BEGGING YOU. PLEASE. — I haven’t even seen you guys and nick you bullied me my whole life. And tortured me as a child. And everyone knows it. ITS BEEN PUBLIC. and now you’re scared of the truth. pic.twitter.com/kd7nIF49PI
— Aaron Carter (@aaroncarter) September 18, 2019
2012 – Nick does not attend sister’s funeral
When the boys’ sister, Leslie, died of a drug overdose, the Backstreet Boy was not in attendance at the funeral, citing professional obligations. “I wanted to be at my sister’s funeral, but my family has always had a complicated dynamic,” Nick said in a statement to E! News. “I love my family. I want to thank everyone for all of their compassion and support that I have received during this most difficult time.”
2013 – Nick chats with Dr. Phil
The oldest brother stopped by the Dr. Phil show to talk about his new book, Facing the Music and Living to Talk About It, and turning his life around after hitting rock bottom with drugs and alcohol. “I started to get blamed by the rest of the family. They were blaming me for [Leslie’s] death,” he said. “I felt it was unfair, especially with all the things I have done and continue to do for them.”
He added that he took on the role of the father in a lot of ways, and even brought Aaron to rehab. “It was heartbreaking but, at the same time, there was more hope,” he said.
February 2014 – Angel Carter’s wedding
Aaron’s twin, Angel, got married in February 2014. Aaron walked his sister down the aisle; Nick was not in attendance.
April 2014 – Nick’s wedding
A few months later, Nick married Lauren Kitt at the Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara, California. Aaron was not in attendance. “Aaron signed a contract to appear at the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in D.C. before Nick’s wedding date was announced,” his rep told People. “[We] realized there was a problem and figured out he could perform and get him to Santa Barbara so he would be there for the last two hours of the reception.”
2015 – Holiday happiness
Christmastime seemed to have brought the family together and give them a break from the drama. Nick took to Instagram to share a sweet photo alongside his brother and pregnant wife. “Merry Christmas from #TheCarterFamily with my beautiful wife @laurenkittcarter & My bro @aaroncarter rocking our @onepiece’s that they sent us for Christmas #merrychristmas,” he wrote in the caption.
March 2016 – Aaron’s GQ interview
After making headlines announcing his support of Donald Trump, Aaron sat down with GQ to chat about his political decision, and he also took a jab at his family (and some slight shade at Nick). “When I turned 18, I got $2 million in trust-fund money, and I got $4 million in taxes my parents didn’t pay when I was 11 and 12 years old. I worked really hard for that money. My whole life. Up until I was 18. Doing thousands and thousands of shows, working and providing for my family.”
“When my brother was 18 years old, he was out of the house. Didn’t take care of the family. I started when I was 7 years old, and I was a provider for my family, too. If I could set people straight, I wouldn’t want anyone to feel sorry for me. Like, get your facts straight. Like, actually get your facts straight.”
April 2016 – Nick supports Aaron’s music
With the release of Aaron’s new single, “Fool’s Gold,” Nick took it as an opportunity to show some love. “Just bought my brother @aaroncarter new single #FoolsGold keep up the great work homie!” he wrote on Twitter.
Just bought my brother @aaroncarter new single #FoolsGold keep up the great work homie! pic.twitter.com/zOZ7s28kbO
— Nick Carter (@nickcarter) April 5, 2016
2017 – Feud heats up after Aaron’s DUI
Aaron was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and pot possession, while his girlfriend at the time, Madison Parker, was taken into custody for alleged pot-related offenses.
“To my brother: I love u no matter what & if u feel the need to reach for help, I am here and willing to help you get better,” Nick wrote to his brother on Twitter. “Family isn’t always easy, be we’re all here for you.”
Aaron didn’t seem too convinced by the support, writing in his own since-deleted tweet: “If my own blood (Nick) truly cared about my well-being, why wouldn’t he call me directly and have a conversation instead of making this about him through a very public forum? That’s not cool at all to use me for his PR and kick me while I am down. I love my family despite it through thick and thin.”
2018 – Back to love
February 2018 was a great time musically for Aaron, who released his new album, LØVË, and Nick tweeted a positive message for his brother.
Congratulations to my brother for coming out with his new album #love @aaroncarter https://t.co/CiyNVr0o8F
— Nick Carter (@nickcarter) February 16, 2018
February 2019 – BSB goes No. 1
A year later, Aaron reciprocated the love by shouting out the Backstreet Boys after they snagged their first No. 1 album in 20 years with DNA. “I can’t tell you how happy this makes me for my brother and all the guys who were like brothers to me growing up love you guys,” he wrote.
So proud of the guys and going number 1 I can’t tell you how happy this makes me for my brother and all the guys who were like brothers to me growing up love you guys @backstreetboys @nickcarter @kevinrichardson @aj_mclean @brian_littrell @howied
— Aaron Carter (@aaroncarter) February 8, 2019
September 2019 – Things take a dark turn
Aaron shared a since-deleted Twitter roast of his brother, accusing him of leaving his family behind and claiming that he’s never met the Backstreet Boy’s son. Nick then revealed that he and his sister Angel are seeking a restraining order against Aaron.
“In light of Aaron’s increasingly alarming behavior and his recent confession that he harbors thoughts and intentions of killing my pregnant wife and unborn child, we were left with no choice but to take every measure possible to protect ourselves and our family,” he wrote alongside the hashtags #mentalhealth, #GunControlNow and #GunControl. “We love our brother and truly hope he gets the proper treatment he needs before any harm comes to himself or anyone else.”
#mentalhealth #GunControlNow #GunControl pic.twitter.com/q280ClqyjI
— Nick Carter (@nickcarter) September 17, 2019
Aaron then began to side with Melissa Schuman, who accused Nick of rape in 2017.
On Sept. 22, following days of tweeting commentary about the conflict with Nick, Aaron asked his social media followers to “please READ” a lengthy iPhone note providing an update about his situation.
“I’m well aware many of you have shown concern for me over the past few weeks,” he wrote. “Having people who genuinely care for you is something that should never be taken for granted. For as long as I can remember, I’ve chased unconditional love and hoped for true stability in my family. I’ve spent most of my adult life seeking validation from these same people.”
The note continued: “I started to get a chip on my shoulder when I kept coming up short on something that doesn’t cost a thing. LOVE. All I want is Love. What has transpired recently does not represent my true wants or needs. I’ve been fighting fire with fire, something I still need to work on. Some have pointed and laughed, but many many more have shown genuine support for what I’ve been vulnerable enough to share. For the record: I’m okay.”
Later in his update, in response to Nick’s restraining order, Aaron said, “I have never had thoughts of causing anyone pain, let alone taking anyone’s life. It was hurtful for me to read those things because if these people really knew me, they would have never used that as a tactic to control me. What’s actually more hurtful though, is knowing how effected my innocent nieces and nephews will be by choices the adults around them have made. With that in mind, I ask everyone to please leave me alone and let the legal system do their thing.”
Please READ. pic.twitter.com/d8wBiTwfIK
— Aaron Carter (@aaroncarter) September 22, 2019