Los Angeles, California – Grammy award-winning producer and songwriter The-Dream is facing allegations of rape and sexual battery in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles.
The lawsuit, filed by former protégé Chanaaz Mangroe, accuses The-Dream, born Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, of repeatedly forcing her to have sex, throttling her, and filming intimate encounters without consent.
Mangroe, who performed as Channii Monroe, claims The-Dream promised to make her the next Beyoncé and Rihanna, but instead subjected her to violent sexual encounters that left her bruised and emotionally distressed.
The 60-page lawsuit seeks damages for lost wages, mental pain, anguish, and severe emotional distress suffered by Mangroe as a result of the alleged abuse.
In a statement, Mangroe expressed the difficulty of speaking out but emphasized the need to share her story to heal and prevent future abuses.
The-Dream, known for writing songs for top artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Mariah Carey, has denied the allegations, calling them untrue and defamatory.
The lawsuit alleges that unwanted sexual encounters continued, with The-Dream making false promises of career opportunities in exchange for compliance.
The-Dream, who has won eight Grammy Awards, has been nominated for Songwriter of the Year and has expressed his commitment to helping artists achieve their career goals.
While the legal battle unfolds, the music industry continues to reckon with issues of abuse and misconduct, shedding light on the challenges faced by aspiring artists like Mangroe.