Full Breakdown
The Age of Consent Guidebook: Insights from 98 Degrees' Nick Lachey
4/10/2026, 3:31:27 AM
The Core Narrative: A Controversial Tour Practice
In the forthcoming Investigation Discovery series *Boy Band Confidential*, Nick Lachey of 98 Degrees reveals that the band maintained a guidebook detailing the age of consent in every U.S. state during their early tours. This disclosure raises questions about the pressures faced by young performers in the music industry and the measures taken to navigate these challenges.
Behind the Scenes of 98 Degrees' Early Tours
Nick Lachey, along with bandmates Jeff Timmons, Justin Jeffre, and Drew Lachey, was between 21 and 27 years old when they began touring nationally after signing with Motown. Lachey recounts that early in their career, they received a manual from their label that included the age of consent laws for each state. “This is going to sound super shady, but when we first went out, I remember in our first tour, someone at the label gave us a book,” Lachey stated. The varying ages of consent, which range from 16 to 18 depending on the state, posed a unique challenge for the band as they traveled from city to city.
The Pressure of Fame and Mental Health
Lachey emphasized that the guidebook was not intended to encourage inappropriate behavior but rather served as a cautionary tool amidst the pressures of sudden fame. He noted, “Unfortunately, there were people out there looking to tear you down.” The intense scrutiny and expectations placed on young artists often left little room for personal struggles. Lachey reflected on the mental health challenges faced by performers, contrasting their experiences with those of contemporary artists like Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes, who have prioritized mental health by canceling tours. “That was not an option when we were out there,” he remarked, highlighting the relentless demands of the industry.
