Carter denied all of Schuman's accusations in his statement. "Melissa never expressed to me while we were together or at any time since that anything we did was not consensual," he said. "We went on to record a song and perform together, and I was always respectful and supportive of Melissa both personally and professionally. This is the first that I am hearing about these accusations, nearly two decades later. It is contrary to my nature and everything I hold dear to intentionally cause someone discomfort or harm."