Grammy-winning producer and songwriter The-Dream, also known as Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, is seeking to have substantial parts of a sexual assault lawsuit against him dismissed. The lawsuit, filed in June by former protégé Chanaaz Mangroe, who performed under the name Channii Monroe, accuses him of rape and sexual battery.
The-Dream, who has written for major artists like Beyoncé and Rihanna, has denied the allegations. On Friday, his legal team filed a motion to dismiss the case, labeling the claims as a “shotgun pleading,” meaning the complaint contains multiple vague allegations without giving clear notice of the specific claims against him.
In the court documents, The-Dream’s lawyers requested numerous amendments to Mangroe’s complaint, arguing that certain sections are “immaterial” and “scandalous.”
They are also seeking to dismiss the rape claim, stating that rape is not recognized as a separate civil cause of action under California law. Additionally, the defense argued that the sex trafficking claim fails to meet the necessary legal requirements, such as proof of a “commercial sex act.”
Furthermore, The-Dream’s team is asking for his record label, Contra Paris, LLC, to be removed from the lawsuit, as it is based in Delaware and lacks personal jurisdiction in California.
Mangroe’s lawsuit details disturbing allegations of repeated sexual violence and coercion by The-Dream, including being forced to have sex, physical abuse, and threats.
She claims that he forced her into sexual acts in various locations, including a movie theater and a renovated van, and manipulated her with promises of advancing her music career.
Mangroe, a 33-year-old aspiring artist originally from the Netherlands, also alleges that he subjected her to excessive alcohol consumption and strangulation to the point of near-unconsciousness. She is seeking damages for lost wages, mental anguish, and emotional distress.
The lawsuit describes how Mangroe was allegedly pressured into sexual acts shortly after meeting The-Dream in January 2015, with promises of becoming as successful as Beyoncé and Rihanna.
She claims that unwanted sexual encounters continued while The-Dream made further career promises, such as opening for Beyoncé’s tour or performing at the Grammys.
According to her, the abuse left her bruised and traumatized, with The-Dream using his influence in the music industry to manipulate and control her. The lawsuit, which spans 60 pages, paints a grim picture of their interactions over several years.
The-Dream, a highly successful artist with eight Grammy Awards, has strongly denied the accusations, calling them “untrue and defamatory.” In a statement provided to The New York Times, he expressed his disappointment over the allegations and emphasized his commitment to helping others in the industry.
Meanwhile, Mangroe’s legal team remains resolute, stating that The-Dream’s attempts to dismiss the case are unconvincing. They plan to oppose the motions and are prepared to move forward with discovery in the legal process.
