Lou Pearlman, the man behind several of the hit Nineties boy bands, "Backstreet Boys," "O-Town," and "N-Sync" died behind bars at the age of 62. The former boy band manager and music producer was serving a 25-year prison sentence due to a $300 million bank fraud and Ponzi scheme. Several of the talents that he has handled took to social media their reactions in light of his passing.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons recently confirmed that Pearlman died on Aug 19, Friday due to an undisclosed illness. Billboard reported that 'N-Sync' member Lance Bass Tweeted that though his former manager wasn't a stand up businessman, he wouldn't be in the music industry without his big influence. Member Chris Kirkpatrick, on the other hand, tweeted that he felt mixed emotions when he found out about his death.
Pearlman was credited for discovering many famous boy bands and singers back in the 90's, in which some continue to exist today. But despite his many contributions in the music industry, he faced a lot of legal issues which eventually landed him behind bars.
"N-sync" previously filed a lawsuit against Pearlman, as well as his former talent Aaron Carter back in 2002. The Rolling Stone reported that it was during the year 2007 that the Florida regulators discovered his $300 million Ponzi scheme. He fled to Bali to escape arrest but was still caught. He pleaded guilty to charges of money laundering and fraud in 2008 and was ordered to serve 25 years in prison.
Pearlman was scheduled for release on 2029, however, due to an undisclosed illness he passed away while still serving his sentence.
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
Mixed emotions right now, but RIP Lou Pearlman. — Chris Kirkpatrick (@IamCKirkpatrick) August 21, 2016
