Teen idol Aaron Carter isn’t in the middle of his parents’ messy split. He’s taking sides.
The 16-year-old younger brother of Backstreet Boy Nick Carter announced Wednesday he was firing his mother-slash-comanager, and ordering an audit of his pop-star riches.
“I feel betrayed by own mother,” Aaron Carter said in a statement.
The singer has alleged that a “significant” portion of earnings-reportedly more than $100,000-from his recent tour were tapped into, in part, by mom Jane Carter.
“I worked hard for months-10, 11 hours a day, not including school and press appearances-and I come home and owe money!” Aaron Carter said.
Additionally, Aaron Carter said his mother prevented his father, Bob Carter, from seeing all but one of his recent live shows. His statement said that his problems started when his mother “booted my dad.” The boy’s parents are in the midst of a divorce.
The younger Carter noted he’s moving in with dad Bob, who managed the teen’s career with his wife. Bob Carter will remain on as a comanager, to work with a yet-to-be determined new rep.
Presumably, Jane Carter will remain on as Aaron Carter’s mother, whether her son likes it or not. And, according to his statement, he does not like it. He said he’s filing for legal emancipation to sever all ties with his mother.
Jane Carter could not be located for comment Friday.
Aaron is best known to the Disney Radio Nation as the singer-rapper of kid-friendly confections such as “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It)” and “That’s How I Beat Shaq.”
In the last year, his star has eclipsed that of Nick Carter, who, at 23, is struggling to establish a viable, beyond-Backstreet solo career. Last month, Aaron Carter released Most Requested Hits, a 16-track album retrospective of his 60-month recording career.
Overall, 2003 has been anything but a greatest-hits year for the Carter family. In August, Bob Carter was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor battery following an argument with Jane Carter at the clan’s Florida home. The argument’s alleged flashpoint: Pictures of Aaron, and who should get them.
“My mother and father are going through some trouble right now, and it’s hurting the family. It’s tearing up my little brother,” Nick Carter was quoted as saying on the U.K. Website, Contactmusic.com.
Before enduring tough parental times, Jane Carter penned the 2000 valentine, Aaron Carter: The Little Prince of Pop-The Real Inside Scoop from His Mom.