ABC cancels Backstreet Boys holiday special amid Nick Carter sex battery trial

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ABC is ending Christmas with the Backstreet Boys...a late decision that comes immediately after Nick Carter was charged with sexual assault.

The band's special, "A Very Backstreet Holiday," was supposed to air on ABC next week and featured all 5 singers -- Nick, Brian, Howie, AJ and Kevin -- but the network canceled diffusion. . TMZ confirmed.

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The special was filmed last month in L.A., and, at this point, would be complete and ready to air. ABC offers no explanation for the last-minute cancellation, but with the announcement coming less than 24 hours after Carter's lawsuit...it's pretty clear.

TMZ broke the story... Shannon Ruth sued the singer on Thursday for sexual assault, claiming she was 17 in 2001 when she was allegedly invited on her tour bus and received alcohol.

According to legal documents, Ruth - who has autism and cerebral palsy - was later sexually assaulted by Carter...and when she threatened to tell people what he had done, he allegedly treated her of "r**** *** little bitch" that no one would believe. She says she contracted HPV after the incident and is now seeking damages.