Backstreet Boys 'family' spat goes to court

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- The man who discovered and groomed the Backstreet Boys for superstardom has a family rebellion on his hands.
Four of the Boys are suing Louis (Big Poppa) Pearlman along with other managers and several companies that oversee the group's business.

The suit, pending in U.S. District Court in Orlando, contends the Boys, who range in age from 18 to 26, want more control and a larger share of the $200-million they've earned.

Lawyer Judith Segelin, who is representing the Boys, describes the case as "growing pains." She contends her clients have not been given accurate accountings and that Pearlman and his companies took "excessive amounts" of money through their agreements with the band.

Pearlman, 44, told The Orlando Sentinel on Monday that he wants a return on his $3-million investment in the group.

"It's important to explain to the whole world this is an amicable situation, although it doesn't look that way," Pearlman said.

In 1992, when Brian Littrell, A. J. McLean, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough and Kevin Richardson were unknown musicians, Pearlman said he paid for choreographers, wardrobes, voice lessons and private tutors.

"I don't look at the Boys as a business-deal investment," Pearlman said. "It's personal, and it's different. This is family."