The-Dream, a renowned singer and songwriter who has collaborated with artists such as Beyoncé and Rihanna, faces a significant lawsuit alleging rape, trafficking, and other grave offenses.
In a complaint filed in California, Chanaaz Mangroe accuses the Grammy-winning artist, whose real name is Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, of ensnaring her in an “abusive, violent, and manipulative relationship.” Mangroe describes her experience as a “prolonged nightmare” marked by physical assaults, violent sexual encounters, and psychological manipulation under the guise of furthering her music career with his record label, Contra Paris LLC, and Epic Records.
The-Dream, however, vehemently denies these allegations, stating to The New York Times that they are “untrue and defamatory.” He asserts his commitment to opposing all forms of harassment and claims to have consistently aimed to help individuals achieve their career aspirations.
Mangroe alleges a series of disturbing incidents, including being forcibly subjected to sexual acts, recorded without consent during intimate moments, and threatened into silence with recordings of their encounters. She recounts being coerced into consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, choked until nearly losing consciousness, and enduring rape in various settings, including a public movie theater.
According to court documents, Mangroe was contacted by associates of Gesteelde-Diamant in 2014 while pursuing her music career in the U.S. on an international visa. The suit claims that he exploited her aspirations, making false promises and exerting control over her personal and professional life, leading to a harrowing ordeal of abuse and manipulation.
Mangroe’s attorneys, Douglas H. Wigdor and Meredith Firetog, liken Gesteelde-Diamant’s alleged actions to those of other prominent figures in the music industry who have abused their power. They assert that Mangroe’s decision to speak out reflects her resilience and hope for preventing future abuse.
Gesteelde-Diamant, recognized for his songwriting prowess and multiple Grammy awards, has faced legal troubles in the past, including assault charges in 2014. Despite these accusations, he has maintained his position in the music industry, producing hit tracks for notable artists and releasing successful albums.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Mangroe’s lawsuit sheds light on the pervasive issue of abuse and exploitation in the music industry, underscoring the importance of holding influential figures accountable for their actions.
