Grammy-Winning Producer The-Dream Seeks Dismissal of Rape Lawsuit

Grammy award-winning producer and songwriter The-Dream, whose real name is Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, is seeking to have significant portions of a sexual assault lawsuit against him dismissed. The lawsuit, filed in June by Chanaaz Mangroe, a former protégé who performed under the name Channii Monroe, accuses Gesteelde-Diamant of rape and sexual battery.

Gesteelde-Diamant, known for writing hits for artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Mariah Carey, has denied the allegations. On Friday, his legal team filed a motion to dismiss the case, describing the claims as “a textbook example of a ‘shotgun pleading’.”

The motion argues that the rape allegation should be dismissed because, under California law, rape is not recognized as a separate civil cause of action. Additionally, they contend that the sex trafficking claim lacks essential elements, such as the occurrence of a “commercial sex act.”

Gesteelde-Diamant’s lawyers have also requested the removal of his label, Contra Paris, LLC, from the lawsuit. They argue that the label, based in Delaware, does not fall under the jurisdiction of California courts.

Desirée F. Moore, an attorney representing Gesteelde-Diamant, stated that the complaint should be dismissed in its entirety for failing to attribute specific factual allegations to each defendant. The outcome of the motion to dismiss is yet to be determined.