Backstreet Boys Perform at NYC Jingle Ball Amid Nick Carter Lawsuit

Nick Carter is still front and center with the Backstreet Boys, and based upon their live efficiency Friday night … fans are backing him after a lady sued him for sexual battery.

BSB took the phase at MSG for Jingle Ball — singing the Wham! timeless, “Last Christmas” — and the crowd went wild, especially when Nick solo’d on the very first verse. It was the group’s sneak preview because Nick was implicated of the 2001 attack.

TMZ broke the story … Shannon Ruth, who is autistic and has spastic paralysis, submitted fit Thursday, declaring Carter required her to carry out a sexual act upon him while on his trip bus. She was 17 at the time.

Nick rejects the supposed event ever occurred, however as we reported … ABC canceled a Backstreet Boys primetime vacation special that was set to air this coming week.

A number of Nick Carter hashtags, consisting of #IStandWithNickCarter, were trending Friday, in reaction to ABC’s relocation and the claim.

Other entertainers Friday night consisted of Dua Lipa, Lizzo and The Kid LAROI.

The all-star lineup drew lots of New York City celebrities in the audience too … such as Bethenny Frankel.