Nick Lachey, lead singer of 1990s boyband 98 Degrees, has revealed that the group was given a handbook listing the age of consent in every US state when they embarked on their first tour. The disclosure comes in the new documentary Boy Band Confidential, premiering on Investigation Discovery on Monday.
In a preview shared with media outlets, Lachey says: “This is going to sound super shady, but … I remember our first tour, someone at the label gave us a book, and it was the age of consent in every state in the country. And like, we kept that book on the tour bus.” He explains that the manual was intended as a precaution for band members, then aged 21 to 24, while surrounded by fans on the road.
The age of consent in the US varies by state, typically ranging from 16 to 18. Adults engaging in sexual activity with those below the age can face criminal charges. Lachey adds: “Unfortunately, there were people out there looking to tear you down.”
The documentary also explores wider issues in the 1990s boyband industry, including abuse, addiction and financial manipulation. Lachey discusses the group’s low pay from Motown Records, often leading them to eat at fast-food chains and use public transport. He also notes that cancelling tours for mental health reasons was not an option at the time, contrasting with modern artists like Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes.
98 Degrees scored three top five US hits between 1998 and 2000, and featured on Mariah Carey’s number-one single “Thank God I Found You”. The second part of Boy Band Confidential airs on Tuesday.
