Key Facts Up Front
No, the Backstreet Boys have not publicly announced that any member has joined a new long-term romantic relationship as of the latest available information. The rumor appears to stem from fan speculation, tabloid headlines, or playful social media posts rather than an official statement. All five members remain married to their longtime partners, and there is no credible evidence of anyone in the group dating someone new. Below, we break down each member’s verified relationship timeline and explain how this rumor may have started.
Verified Relationship Status by Member
To clarify the “get another boyfriend” claim, it helps to review where each Backstreet Boy stands today. The group married longtime partners across the 2000s and early 2010s, and no public breakup or new partnership has been confirmed. The following table summarizes the current, best-verified status for each member.
| Member | Partner Name | Relationship Start | Marriage Date | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Littrell | Leighanne Wallace | 1997 | 1999 | Official interviews, wedding coverage |
| Nick Carter | Lauren Kitt | 2011 | 2014 | Official announcements, wedding coverage |
| AJ McLean | Rochelle Karidis | 2015 | 2016 | Official announcements, wedding coverage |
| Howie Dorough | Sabrina Soto | 2020 | 2021 | Official social media, wedding coverage |
| Kevin Richardson | Lisa Ann Valere | 2006 | 2013 | Official announcements, wedding coverage |
Origins of the Rumor
Rumors that the Backstreet Boys got another boyfriend likely originate from a mix of wishful thinking, click-driven headlines, and innocent fan misinterpretation. Possible sources include:
- Social media posts joking about member pairings or shipping fans.
- Clickbait headlines that blur engagement or wedding announcements with new relationships.
- Misinterpretation of platonic photos, such as group hangouts or red carpet appearances.
Because the band has been together for decades and their marriages are well documented, any suggestion of a new partner tends to spread quickly online, even without evidence.
Context: Long-Term Partnerships vs. Brief Relationships
It’s important to distinguish between short flings and lasting partnerships. Over the last 25-plus years, each member has built a stable family unit. They have children, shared businesses, and public appearances with their spouses. This context helps explain why sudden relationship changes are unlikely to go unnoticed and unverified.
Media History and Past Reporting
Throughout their career, the Backstreet Boys have faced periodic rumors about affairs and new relationships, typically during album cycles or tours. Past tabloid claims have not held up to scrutiny, and no credible outlet has reported a recent change in any member’s relationship status. Sensational headlines may resurface, but they usually trace back to the same unverified sources.
Current Timeline and Why Nothing Has Changed
As of the latest public records and social media activity, the relationship timelines listed above remain accurate. No member has filed for divorce, issued breakup statements, or shown signs of separation. In the absence of official updates, the simplest explanation aligns with the evidence: the group members are still with the partners they married.
How to Interpret Future Headlines
Going forward, treat any headline claiming the Backstreet Boys got another boyfriend with skepticism. Look for:
- Official social media posts from the member or their partner.
- Confirmation from multiple credible outlets, not just one tabloid.
- Context about whether the story involves news or playful fan content.
When a relationship is real and new, reputable sources with established access will report it consistently. Until then, the verified record remains unchanged.