The-Dream Accused Of Sexual Assault
The-Dream, the songwriter and producer who has worked with the likes of Beyoncé, Kanye West, Megan Thee Stallion, and Rihanna, is being accused of sexual assault by a former protegé.
The-Dream Accused of Sexual Assault
Per Variety, The-Dream, whose real name is Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, has been accused of violent sexual encounters and “horrific psychological manipulation” in a lawsuit filed in California district court Tuesday (June 4) morning by Chanaaz Mangroe (AKA Channii Monroe) a Dutch singer who worked with him. She is also suing his label, Contra Paris, LLC, and Epic Records.
Specifically, Mangroe alleges he “subjected” her to “violent sexual encounters that left her badly bruised,” forced her into drinking “excessive amounts of alcohol,” strangled her to the point of “almost losing consciousness,” forced her into sexual acts in a movie theater, and raped her in a van.
Mangroe, now 33, claims that she was introduced to the songwriter ten years ago when she was working in the United States on an international visa from the Netherlands. With aspirations of making it in the industry as a singer-songwriter, she states that associates of The-Dream reached out via social media and invited her to join his musical partner Tricky Stewart in Atlanta.
Per the complaint, The-Dream made promises of writing chart-topping songs for her, an opening slot on Beyoncé’s tour, and sponsorship of an extension of her visa. From there, their relationship allegedly turned violent, as Mangroe says that he controlled all aspects of her life in the US. The suit lists he would allegedly track her location, text her at all hours to check her whereabouts, force her to drink extensive amounts of alcohol, and refuse to wear a condom during intercourse.
Mangroe is seeking compensatory damages connected to lost income from her experiences, a monetary judgment for her emotional distress, punitive and exemplary damages, and legal-related fees.
The-Dream Denies The Sexual Assault Allegations
The award-winning artist has reportedly denied those allegations. In a statement to the New York Times, calls the claims “untrue and defamatory.” He adds, “I oppose all forms of harassment and have always strived to help people realize their career goals. As someone committed to making a positive impact on my fellow artists and the world at large, I am deeply offended and saddened by these accusations.”
His achievements include 21 Grammy nominations, with eight of those being wins. His most recent win was for working with Meg Thee Stallion on “Savage” in 2021. The year prior, he won two awards: one Grammy for best dance/electronic music album for Bey’s “Renaissance,” along with best dance-electronic recording for her “BREAK MY SOUL.”
