‘DWTS’ Pro Sharna Burgess Praises Nick Carter Amid Melissa Schuman’s ‘Rape’ Allegations

Sharna Burgess, Nick Carter — Sharna Burgess recently stood by her “DWTS” partner, Nick Carter, amid allegations that he raped Melissa Schuman. Pictured: Burgess, Carter attend ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars” Halloween Show after party with themed food and drinks at Mixology101 & Planet Dailies on Oct. 26, 2015 in Los Angeles. Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Mixology101LA

“Dancing With the Stars” pro Sharna Burgess recently praised her former celebrity partner, Nick Carter, amid allegations that he raped Melissa Schuman.

In her lengthy post (via Entertainment Tonight), Burgess called Carter “sweet and understanding.” She also said that one of things she loves about him is that he takes ownership of the things he’s been through.

“He wanted to be very open about them and how he felt about them, even though they were very heavy and hard for him to say out loud, so that he could inspire other people to be better and learn from him,” she wrote.

While competing in the 21^st season of the hit ABC reality TV show, Burgess said that Carter treated everyone with respect. Burgess said that the Backstreet Boys member worked well with everyone – from the staff and crew to the contestants, pros and judges.

“No one got more attention than the other and even in the most stressful of moments, not once did he ever speak to anybody badly, demand anything, become a diva or show anything ugly. He only showed absolute gratitude for being there and having made it that far, and a passion for working hard and trying to do better,” she continued.

Meanwhile, Schuman accused Carter of rape via a blog post last month. After her version of the story surfaced, Carter released a statement to People and said that Schuman never complained to her.

“I am shocked and saddened by Ms. Schuman’s accusations. Melissa never expressed to me while we were together or at any time since that anything we did was not consensual,” he said.

Last week, Schuman appeared on “The Dr. Oz Show,” where she said that she’s already forgiven Carter. She also explained that she came forward with her story not to ask money from the singer, but to inspire others to expose similar incidents.

“I forgive you… I don’t want anything from you. I wish you only the best. I don’t want your money. I didn’t do this to hurt your family. I did this for me because I needed this healing…” she said.