The-Dream, Accused of Rape and Sexual Battery by Former Protégée
In a lawsuit filed on Tuesday, Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, known as The-Dream, has been accused of rape and sexual battery by a former protégée, Chanaaz Mangroe, who performed as Channii Monroe. The lawsuit alleges that Mr. Gesteelde-Diamant used promises of career promotion to entangle Ms. Mangroe in an abusive relationship where she was forced into unwanted sex, strangled, and threatened with intimate video recordings.
As a top songwriter and producer for Beyoncé, Rihanna, and other stars, The-Dream is a major figure in the music industry. However, the lawsuit depicts him as an abusive figure who controlled Ms. Mangroe’s life while physically and sexually abusing her. The suit also includes accusations of sex trafficking, invoking the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act in California.
Ms. Mangroe stated, “What Dream did to me made it impossible to live the life I envisioned for myself and pursue my goals as a singer and songwriter.” She hopes that by speaking out, she can heal and prevent future instances of abuse.
The allegations against The-Dream mark a significant development in the music industry and raise questions about power dynamics and abuse in the entertainment world.