Grammy award-winning producer and songwriter The-Dream, whose real name is Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, is facing a sexual assault lawsuit filed against him by former protégé Chanaaz Mangroe, also known as Channii Monroe. The 47-year-old artist, known for his work with Beyoncé, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Mariah Carey, has denied the allegations of rape and sexual battery.
In response to the lawsuit, The-Dream’s legal team has filed a motion to have large parts of the case thrown out. They argue that the claims made by Ms. Mangroe are a “shotgun pleading,” which fails to provide specific factual allegations against each defendant. The lawyers are seeking to dismiss the rape claim, stating that rape is not a separate civil cause of action under California law.
Furthermore, The-Dream’s legal representatives are also seeking to have his label, Contra Paris, LLC, removed from the lawsuit on the grounds that it is based in Delaware and lacks personal jurisdiction in California. They have requested multiple amendments to Ms. Mangroe’s complaint, calling certain paragraphs “immaterial” and “scandalous.”
According to court documents seen by BBC News, attorney Desirée F. Moore, representing The-Dream, stated that the complaint contains allegations that are irrelevant to the sexual battery and sex trafficking claims and are intended to smear his name and reputation.
Ms. Mangroe, originally from the Netherlands, alleges in the lawsuit that The-Dream subjected her to violent sexual encounters, forced her to drink excessive amounts of alcohol, and made promises of career opportunities in the music industry. She claims that unwanted sexual encounters continued, with The-Dream allegedly pressuring her for sex as part of the process.
The-Dream, who has won eight Grammy Awards and was nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the 65th Grammy Awards, has refuted the allegations, calling them “untrue and defamatory.” In a statement to the New York Times, he expressed his opposition to harassment and stated that he has always strived to help people achieve their career goals.
A representative for Ms. Mangroe has stated that they look forward to opposing The-Dream’s motions to dismiss the allegations and proceeding with the case. The lawsuit seeks damages for lost wages, mental pain, anguish, and severe emotional distress. The legal battle between The-Dream and Ms. Mangroe is ongoing as both parties prepare for the next steps in the legal process.
