The-Dream accused of rape, sexual violence and sex trafficking

Former protégé claims to have been victim of repeated abuse in 2015

Terius Gesteelde-Diamant – best known for producing and writing hits for the likes of Beyoncé and Rihanna under the name The-Dream – has been sued for rape, sexual assault and sex trafficking by a former protégé.

Chanaaz Mangroe (who played the role of Channii Monroe) filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles today (June 4). According to Pitchfork, the suit alleges that Gesteelde-Diamant “lured” Mangroe into “an abusive, violent and manipulative relationship filled with physical assault, violent sexual encounters and horrific psychological manipulation” in 2015 – all under the guise of “ pursue legitimate action.” recording and publishing contract.

Gesteelde-Diamant (aka Terius Nash) is accused of repeatedly pressuring her to have sex while claiming it was all “part of the process”, strangling her and filming the one of their sexual encounters before threatening to show it to others.

Mangroe is represented by attorneys from the same firm as Cassie Ventura's attorneys in a similar lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs, which was settled less than a day after it was filed.

“What Dream did to me prevented me from living the life I envisioned and pursuing my goals as a singer and songwriter,” Mangroe said in a statement. “Ultimately, my silence became too painful and I realized I had to tell my story to heal. I hope this will also help others and prevent future horrible abuse.

Through a representative, Gesteelde-Diamant vehemently denied the accusations, stating: “These claims are false and defamatory. I oppose all forms of harassment and have always sought to help people achieve 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. »

As The-Dream, Gesteelde-Diamant has production and songwriting credits on No. 1 singles like Rihanna's “Umbrella” and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” and “Break My Soul » by Beyoncé, as well as hits like Justin Bieber. “Baby,” “Touch My Body” by Mariah Carey and “Holy Grail” by JAY-Z and Justin Timberlake. His most notable song as an artist is the Fabolous collaboration “Throw It in the Bag.”