The-Dream Seeks to Dismiss Lawsuit Accusing Him of Rape, Sex Trafficking
R&B producer and singer The-Dream has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit accusing him of rape, sex trafficking, and sexual battery. The lawsuit, filed by Chanaaz Mangroe in June, alleges that The-Dream, whose real name is Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, sexually abused and exploited her over the course of several years.
In the motion filed on August 16, The-Dream’s legal team argued that the complaint is a “shotgun pleading” that fails to properly attribute specific allegations to each defendant. They are also seeking to dismiss Contra Paris, LLC, a company listed as a defendant in the lawsuit, due to lack of personal jurisdiction in California.
Additionally, The-Dream’s representatives are arguing that the sex trafficking claim fails to allege required elements, such as a “commercial sex act.” The legal team is also seeking to strike the rape claim, arguing that it is not a separate civil cause of action under California law, as well as 300 paragraphs that are deemed “irrelevant” or “intentionally out-of-context.”
The-Dream’s attorney, Desirée F. Moore, stated in a statement that the complaint is a “textbook example of a ‘shotgun pleading'” and must be dismissed in its entirety for failing to attribute specific factual allegations to each defendant. She also claimed that the complaint contains “dozens of allegations that are utterly irrelevant to her sexual battery and sex trafficking claims and are, instead, designed solely to smear Diamant’s name and reputation.”
The lawsuit was filed under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, which allows victims of sexual abuse to sue their abusers for damages. Mangroe alleged that she was forced to have sex with The-Dream on numerous occasions and that he promised her “Beyoncé/Rihanna-level stardom” in exchange for her cooperation.
Since the lawsuit was filed, The-Dream has denied the allegations. In a statement shared with The New York Times, he said, “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.”
Mangroe has shared her story publicly, stating that the abuse she suffered at the hands of The-Dream made it impossible for her to live the life she envisioned for herself and pursue her goals as a singer and songwriter. She hopes that sharing her story will help others and prevent future horrific abuse.
The outcome of The-Dream’s motion to dismiss is pending.
