One BSB member is now linked to QAnon, and fans do NOT want it that way.
While Nick Carter celebrates a new baby and AJ/Howie keep relatively off the public's radar, the remaining two Backstreet Boys are dealing with some very 2020s drama. One of them is being called out for believing in harmful conspiracy theories and facing major criticism from fans. He isn't the only '90s star to land on the wrong side of history lately, but here we are.
Kevin Lost a 'Best Friend' to QAnon
If Kevin is your fave BSB, don't worry. The band's oldest member has been peacefully participating in current issues, and has been a mask-wearing citizen throughout 2020. He doesn't seem to buy into the kinds of conspiracies that he called out on Twitter this week:
Kevin's retweets implied that, like the title of one of the articles, he "lost a best friend to QAnon" - and that the best friend in question was an "influencer" or public figure. That points to one person in particular.
Fans Have Reason to Believe it's Brian
Despite being cousins as well as former band mates, Kevin and Brian have reportedly gone their separate ways. Fans suspect politics is the reason. While Kevin is public with his support for President Joe Biden, Brian is on record telling TMZ he supports Trump.
In 2017 Brian said Trump would "do so many great things for this nation, and even for the people who disapprove of him...I have faith in his character, his beliefs, and his balls."
The Backstreet Boys' official stance on Trump using their music is a big NO - they made a statement explaining that they didn't agree with 'I Want it That Way' being used at Trump's rallies - but if it were up to Brian, they would have performed at his inauguration.
"I would’ve been there if I could’ve," he told TMZ. Brian has also appeared on Fox News to promote his son Baylee's country music career.
Fans think Parler might have been the last straw. Kevin's cryptic Tweets came just a few days after Brian announced he would be joining the alternative social media site, which has since been shut down for allegedly spreading false information and inciting violence among Trump supporters.
Fans Are Disappointed and Angry
The QAnon-related Tweets from Kevin's account have been flooded with replies from supportive fans who share his disappointment.
"I've been a BSB fan for well over 20+ years," wrote one fan. "And I've always respected you guys. It's a real disappointment that Brian would fall to this."
"I don't think your cousin either cares or realizes the impact this has had," replied another. "People are Angry. It could affect the future of this fandom and the behavior of people at your concerts."
Others used clips to express their heated emotions:
With BSB fractured by political divisions, let's hope N'Sync can keep it together.