Former Protege Files Lawsuit Against Music Producer, Alleging Sexual Assault
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A former protege of a well-known music producer, who has worked with artists such as Beyoncé and Rihanna, has filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and other forms of abuse. Chanaaz Mangroe, known by her stage name Channii Monroe, claims that the producer, whose legal name is Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, engaged in a violent and manipulative relationship with her after she moved to the U.S. from the Netherlands to pursue a music career.
The lawsuit alleges that Gesteelde-Diamant promised to help further Mangroe’s career but instead subjected her to physical assaults, violent sexual encounters, and psychological manipulation. Despite winning multiple Grammy awards and working on hit songs like Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” Gesteelde-Diamant has denied the allegations.
Mangroe states that she was contacted by Gesteelde-Diamant’s representative on social media in 2014 and was flown to Atlanta to work with him. She claims that he pressured her to share personal details, forced her to use drugs and alcohol excessively, engaged in non-consensual violent sexual acts, and restricted her freedom. Additionally, she accuses him of causing her to lose a record deal and suffer severe anxiety and depression.
While representatives of Gesteelde-Diamant have not responded to requests for comment, he has refuted the claims in a statement to The New York Times. Mangroe, who has decided to speak out about her experiences, has filed a lawsuit seeking damages for the harm caused to her career and well-being.
It is important to note that the Associated Press does not typically disclose the identities of individuals who allege sexual abuse, unless they have chosen to make their story public, as Mangroe has done.