Many people may not know who Lou Pearlman is; but, they certainly know about some of the big names he has represented as a music producer. Lou Pearlman was just sentenced for 25 years in federal prison on four charges. He has been convicted on charges of money laundering, conspiracy, and using false statements in bankruptcy court proceedings.
Going back 10 to 15 years he has allegedly falsified documents; and, employed financial scams that have stolen many people’s finances. He was touted as a musical producer, of genius status, when he created industry buzz behind bands such as N’Sync, Backstreet Boys, and many other “boy” bands in the midst of the frenzy of such musical groups. At one time, he even developed a television show for ABC called, The Making Of The Band; that show was capitalizing on the hopes and dreams of those with musical talent.
He based his lavish life-style on money that was allegedly scammed from other “false” businesses that he claimed to own or have invested in. Some of them never existed. There were even long-time employees and acquaintances who’s lives were devastated by his actions. One man even allegedly took his own life when his true financial reality was revealed.
Lou evidently had the ability to “motivate or induce” people to invest their hard earned money in his ideas and business plans. He was very convincing; this had the devastating effect of plunging many people into despair when they discovered that they had nothing to show for their investments. The ruthlessness here is hard to understand.
After his financial misdeeds were documented…some other legal and moral allegations came to light. He took off and disappeared for quite some time out of country; trying to avoid the legal ramifications here in the US. He was spotted, photographed, subsequently arrested; and, returned to the United States.
He was quietly accused of “inappropriate” actions with some of those young men in his groups and other potential musical hopefuls. Unfortunately, Lou Pearlman’s perceived power was intimidating. He used that to coerce or intimidated people to backdown legally when they would notify him that he was going to be challenged. At the heighth of his power, he held a lot of sway in the industry; people did not follow through on legal action out of fear of retaliation personally and professionally.
It was alledged that some of those, for whom Lou Pearlman represented or were hopeful of his representation, “allowed” themselves to be used in an inappropriate way in exchange for representation. Children can not give consent; that is sexual abuse. Sexual concerns were whispered about in relation to Lou Pearlman and young men.
If any of those allegations are true…Mr. Pearlman will have about 25 years to reflect on how his actions have affected those around him during that time in his life when he held all of the power; the balance of power has now shifted. Hopefully, that will bring some justice to those he has hurt.
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