The-Dream Accused of Sexual Assault and Rape
Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, widely known as The-Dream, a renowned songwriter and producer who has collaborated with superstars like Beyoncé and Rihanna, faces severe accusations of rape and sexual violence. According to an exclusive report by the New York Times, Chanaaz Mangroe, a former protégé, filed the legal complaint on Tuesday, June 4. Mangroe alleges that in 2015, Gesteelde-Diamant lured her into an abusive relationship by dangling promises of career advancement. She claims he coerced her into sex multiple times, recorded an intimate video without her consent, and threatened to release it. Additionally, the complaint accuses him of sex trafficking.
Mangroe stated, 'What Dream did to me made it impossible to live the life I had envisioned for myself and pursue my goals as a singer and songwriter.'
The-Dream's Influential Career and Previous Allegations
Gesteelde-Diamant, a Grammy Award-winning producer, has contributed to some of the biggest hits in pop and R&B over the past two decades, including Rihanna's 'Umbrella,' Justin Bieber's 'Baby,' and Mariah Carey's 'Touch My Body.' He has been a close collaborator of Beyoncé, assisting in the production of all her studio albums since 2008. However, his career has been shadowed by previous allegations of violence. In 2014, he was accused of kicking and strangling a former girlfriend who was eight months pregnant, although prosecutors eventually dropped the case due to insufficient evidence.
Through his lawyer, Gesteelde-Diamant has firmly denied the current accusations. 'These accusations are false and defamatory. I oppose all forms of harassment and have always aimed to help people achieve their career goals,' he stated. Representatives for Beyoncé and Rihanna did not respond to requests for comments from the New York Times.
- Chanaaz Mangroe, a 33-year-old Netherlands native, sought to break into the music industry as a pop singer and songwriter. Her complaint details how she was working in the United States in late 2014 when an associate of Gesteelde-Diamant asked her to send music samples. In January 2015, she traveled to Atlanta to meet Gesteelde-Diamant, who took her to a strip club and later began studio recording sessions. According to the complaint, he promised to make her the next Beyoncé or Rihanna.
- Mangroe's complaint further alleges that Gesteelde-Diamant pressured her into sex by claiming it was 'part of the process.' The sexual encounters reportedly continued, sometimes involving Gesteelde-Diamant forcibly restraining her and ignoring her requests to use protection. He also allegedly made business promises, including suggesting she might be the opening act for Beyoncé's next tour. The New York Times report highlights these events in detail, painting a disturbing picture of manipulation and abuse.
