Documentary Overview

A new two-part documentary titled The Carters focuses on the lives of Aaron Carter and his family, shedding light on the struggles and tragedies they have faced. The film includes testimonies from Aaron’s twin sister, Angel Carter Conrad, family members, and close friends, offering a deeper understanding of Aaron’s battle with substance abuse and mental health issues leading up to his death in 2022.

Family Insights and Troubling Events

The documentary reveals an alarming incident when Aaron drove to his brother Nick Carter’s house with a firearm. Angel described her brother’s increasingly erratic behavior, stating, “I could tell that he was already taking drugs again,” indicating a return to his old habits of substance abuse.

During a pivotal phone call, Angel recounted Aaron disclosing his diagnoses of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Disturbingly, he expressed thoughts of violence, which included harming not only infants but also Nick’s wife, Lauren Kitt Carter.

A Family In Crisis

Faced with Aaron’s volatile behavior, Angel made the difficult decision to keep this information from Nick, fearing that it might compromise Aaron’s career. However, the alarming situation escalated, prompting Angel to confide in Nick about Aaron acquiring multiple firearms and the threats he posed.

In September 2019, following extensive deliberation, Angel and Nick filed a restraining order against Aaron. Nick made a public statement clarifying the rationale: “In light of Aaron’s increasingly alarming behavior… we were left with no choice but to take every measure possible to protect ourselves and our family.”

Confrontation and Consequences

The actions taken by Aaron’s family aimed to safeguard themselves, yet they inadvertently intensified his violent tendencies. Reports indicated that during one threatening episode, Aaron drove to Las Vegas with a weapon while live-streaming his journey online. His management and family worked feverishly to track his movements as the situation spiraled.

Corey Conrad, Angel’s husband, noted, “He was so clearly in a very, very dark place and making threats… obviously he’s not in his right mind.” This chaotic period culminated in Aaron sitting in a parking lot for 45 minutes before departing without initiating further violence.

Tragic Outcomes

The documentary underscores the heartbreaking reality of mental health struggles within the Carter family. Following Aaron’s passing on November 5, 2022, which was ruled an accidental drowning due to the effects of substances, Angel reflected on their last conversation. Aaron falsely accused her of being the reason for his drug addiction, deepening the family’s grief.

Continuing the Conversation on Mental Health

Following the tragic loss of Aaron, as well as their siblings Leslie and Bobbie Jean, Angel and Nick are determined to channel their grief into advocacy. They aim to raise awareness about mental health issues, particularly in young people.

Angel, a dedicated activist for the Kids Mental Health Foundation, highlighted the importance of addressing these issues openly. She stated, “This cannot just be swept under the rug… To take something so tragic and turn it into something positive, which is exactly what Aaron would want.”