The-Dream has requested the court to dismiss significant portions of a sexual assault case that has been brought against him.
The songwriter and producer, legally known as Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, and recognised for his contributions to popular songs including ‘Umbrella’, ‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)’, and ‘Baby’, was accused in a lawsuit in June of committing rape, physical abuse, and engaging in “horrific psychological manipulation”.
Chanaaz Mangroe, a previous apprentice of the artist Channii Monroe, has filed a lawsuit in the Central District of California’s US District Court. The lawsuit claims that Gesteelde-Diamant enticed the young and susceptible artist into a harmful, aggressive, and manipulative relationship characterised by physical attacks, violent sexual encounters, and deeply disturbing psychological manipulation.
In response to the lawsuit, Gesteelde-Diamant’s legal counsel has submitted a motion to dismiss the case, characterising the allegations as a precise instance of a “shotgun pleading”.
The phrase “ex parte” refers to an accusation made without giving the opposing party enough advance notice of the charges.
According to the BBC, attorneys representing Gesteelde-Diamant request changes to Mangroe’s complaint, claiming that certain parts are “irrelevant” and “offensive”.
In addition, they are attempting to have the rape accusation dismissed by saying that rape is not recognised as an independent legal claim under California law. Furthermore, they argue that their claim of sex trafficking does not include necessary elements, such as a “commercial sex act.”
In addition, his legal team is also attempting to exclude Contra Paris, The-Dream’s label, from the lawsuit due to its location in Delaware, which does not have personal jurisdiction in California.
The amended petition adds that Diamant firmly disputes the claims made by the Plaintiff in the Complaint. “They are completely detached from reality, and the Complaint is entirely unsuccessful.”
“The complaint exemplifies a ‘shotgun pleading’ and must be completely dismissed because it fails to attribute specific factual allegations to each defendant,” stated Desirée F. Moore, the attorney defending Mr. Gesteelde-Diamant.
According to her, the lawsuit includes other accusations that have no relevance to her claims of sexual battery and sex trafficking. Instead, these charges are intended to tarnish Diamant’s character and besmirch his name.
In her initial legal complaint, Mangroe accused Gesteelde-Diamant of surreptitiously capturing explicit sexual activities on video and, after that, leveraging the availability of the film as a means to intimidate Mangroe into remaining silent. Gesteelde-Diamant was additionally charged with compelling Mangroe to consume “excessive quantities of alcohol,” as well as strangling her to the extent that she “nearly lost consciousness.”
As per the lawsuit, Gesteelde-Diamant promised Monroe that he would elevate her to the same fame as Beyoncé and Rihanna, using this to encourage her to endure his inappropriate conduct.
The lawsuit stated that Dream convinced Ms Mangroe through deception and pressure that by granting him entire control over her life, they could establish an unparalleled “sanctuary” that would rival his achievements with Beyoncé or Rihanna.
Mangroe is pursuing compensation for the financial loss resulting from the absence of earnings, as well as for the significant psychological suffering and emotional misery experienced.
Gesteelde-Diamant responded to the original complaint by telling the New York Times: “These allegations are false and libellous.” I vehemently reject any harassment and have consistently endeavoured to assist individuals in achieving their professional aspirations. As someone dedicated to effecting positive change among my fellow artists and the global community, I am profoundly outraged and saddened by these allegations.
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