Aaron Carter first found fame in the early 2000s as the adorable younger brother of Backstreet Boys breakout, Nick Carter. Aaron was a star in his own right, having released hits like "I Want Candy" and "That's How I Beat Shaq." According to RIAA, his second album, "Aaron's Party (Come and Get It)," went triple platinum. Within a few years, he was dating both Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan, after putting in a memorable appearance in "Lizzie McGuire." This caused an infamous feud between the Disney Channel queens, but Aaron had a simple explanation for what happened. "I just got a little bored," he told CNBC (via Us Weekly).
Per Complex, as his career fizzled out, he spent the next part of his life embroiled in debt and scandal. On top of suing former manager, Lou Pearlman, for unpaid royalties, he also filed for legal emancipation from his parents, alleging them of embezzlement. The star was open about his experiences with addiction, entering rehab in September 2022 amid a custody battle over his son, according to The U.S. Sun.
On November 5, 2022, TMZ reported that the singer was found dead in his home, at the age of 34. Tributes poured in from his former co-stars and family, including Duff, who wrote on Instagram, "Boy did my teenage self love you deeply." Nick, who had been estranged from his brother toward the end of his life, wrote, "Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded."
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
