NSYNC & Backstreet Boys Creator Lou Pearlman Dies at Age 62; Timberlake & More React
By: Caryn Robbins Aug. 22, 2016
Variety reports that Lou Pearlman, the producer responsible for creating two of the biggest boy bands in the 1990's, Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, died in prison on Friday, August 19th while serving a 25-year sentence for a $300 million Ponzi scheme. He was 62.
The record producer was the manager of successful 1990s boy bands including O-Town (created during the ABC-MTV reality TV series Making the Band), LFO, Take 5, Natural and US5, as well as the girl group Innosense.
In 2006, he was accused of running one of the largest and longest-running Ponzi schemes in history, leaving more than $300 million in debts. After being apprehended, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy,money laundering, and making false statements during a bankruptcy proceeding. In 2008, he was convicted and sentenced to up to 25 years in prison.
Over the weekend, former NSYNC members Justin Timberlake and Lance Bass, as well as others, took to Twitter to share their reactions to news of Pearlman's passing.
I hope he found some peace. God bless and RIP, Lou Pearlman.
- Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) August 21, 2016
Word is that #LouPearlman has passed away. He might not have been a stand up businessman , but I (cont) https://t.co/nsczUEVOOQ
- Lance Bass (@LanceBass) August 20, 2016
Many emotions at the news of Lou's passing. Without Lou I wouldn't have met my four brothers or had the opportunity of a lifetime. RIP.
- AJ McLean (@skulleeroz) August 21, 2016
Love him or hate him, Lou gave many of us our start. It's a shame he let greed get in his way. #RIP #LouPearlman pic.twitter.com/u91HAuflio
- Ashley Parker Angel (@ParkerAngel) August 21, 2016
Image courtesy of Ashley Parker Angel/Twitter
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