The-Dream Files Motion To Dismiss Sexual Assault Lawsuit

In early June, The-Dream was accused of rape, sex trafficking, and sexual battery in a lawsuit filed by Chanaaz Mangroe. The famed producer and his legal team have now filed to dismiss and strike significant portions of the lawsuit, per Variety.

The-Dream’s representatives argued on Aug. 16 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 for lack of personal jurisdiction in California and strike the rape claim, as it’s not “a separate civil cause of action under California law, as well as 300 paragraphs that are ‘irrelevant’ or ‘intentionally out-of-context.’”

The legal team is also arguing that the sex trafficking claim fails to allege required elements like a “commercial sex act.”

The “Falsetto” singer’s attorney Desirée F. Moore in a statement: “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. Plaintiff’s 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 initial lawsuit was filed by Chanaaz Mangroe on Tuesday (June 4) under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act. Claiming to have met the producer in early 2015, Mangroe alleged that she was forced to have sex with The-Dream on numerous occasions. He reportedly promised her “Beyoncé/Rihanna-level stardom,” but their relationship became abusive.

“What Dream did to me made it impossible to live the life I envisioned for myself and pursue my goals as a singer and songwriter,” said Mangroe in a statement. “Ultimately, my silence has become too painful, and I realized that I need to tell my story to heal. I hope that doing so will also help others and prevent future horrific abuse.”

Since the news broke, 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.”