The-Dream has issued a response to allegations of sexual abuse in a lawsuit filed in California federal court. The-Dream, born Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, issued the following statement:
“These claims are untrue and defamatory. 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.”
According to TMZ, The-Dream is accused of sexual battery, abuse, and trafficking of his former protégé.
The Dream is being sued by Chanaaz Mangroe, citing the artist coerced her into a relationship by promising a singing career and received “violent sexual acts and vicious psychological torture.”
Mangroe stated her work visa was extended by The-Dream in 2014 to develop her career. She was a native of The Netherlands. During her stay, Mangroe stated she was subject to a year-plus of a very abusive, violent, and manipulative relationship.
In addition, Mangroe stated she was left naked and alone for hours in a dark room where she was subject to violent sex and was also “frequently strangled,” nearly losing consciousness on several occasions.
Additionally, Mangroe states some of the sexual acts are recorded and were used as a means to keep her silent. On the music end, she never saw a result of her work and was never paid.
“Ultimately, my silence has become too painful, and I realized that I need to tell my story to heal,” Mangroe says. “I hope that doing so will also help others and prevent future horrific abuse.”
The-Dream is the latest industry star levied by accusations of sexual abuse. According to TMZ, The-Dream is accused of sexual battery, abuse, and trafficking of his former protégé.
The-Dream is being sued by Chanaaz Mangroe, citing the artist coerced her into a relationship by way promising a singing career and received “violent sexual acts and vicious psychological torture.”
Mangroe stated her work visa was extended by The-Dream in 2014 to develop her career. She was a native of The Netherlands. During her stay, Mangroe stated she was subject to a year-plus of a very abusive, violent, and manipulative relationship.
In addition, Mangroe stated she was left naked and alone for hours in a dark room where she was subject to violent sex and was also “frequently strangled,” nearly losing consciousness on several occasions.
Additionally, Mangroe states some of the sexual acts are recorded and were used as a means to keep her silent. On the music end, she never saw a result of her work and was never paid.
“Ultimately, my silence has become too painful, and I realized that I need to tell my story to heal,” Mangroe says. “I hope that doing so will also help others and prevent future horrific abuse.”
The various accusations of sexual assault against Russell Simmons have seemingly followed him all the way to Bali, where he currently resides. Moreover, AllHipHop reports that process server Daniel John Ayoub handed him a lawsuit from fellow former music executive Drew Dixon for defamation concerning his staunch dismissal of her sexual assault claims against him. The story goes that, on March 5, Ayoub went to the Gdas Bali Health And Wellness Resort, which Simmons owns, to serve him with the filing at around 12:30PM local time. After passing two security checkpoints, he searched for him for an hour before finally spotting him.
“I recognized him as the person named in the service papers as Russell Simmons,” Ayoub reportedly expressed. “[He’s] a well-known celebrity and widely known in Bali, Indonesia as well as in the United States and other places.” Simmons had sat with some associates by the time the server approached him. “I said ‘Excuse me, Mr. Simmons, sorry to interrupt your meeting,’” he reportedly claimed. “I then handed Simmons the service documents in an envelope and said, ‘This is for you.’” According to reports, the Queens native expressed shock at the move, and made some calls to his security staff and other unknown contacts.
Russell Simmons At City of Hope’s 2023 Spirit of Life Gala
US entrepreneur and writer Russell Simmons attends City of Hope’s 2023 Spirit of Life Gala at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California, October 18, 2023. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)
For those unaware, this case began when Russell Simmons vehemently denied Drew Dixon’s accusations of sexual assault against him. He called her a “liar” and insinuated that the people accusing him of this behavior simply want the fame and money that such a high-profile case brings. Dixon then sued for defamation, as she claims these comments negatively impacted her professional and personal life in a massive way. She seeks compensatory and punitive damages, and this is a separate case to another related to sexual assault from another former Def Jam executive.
Meanwhile, Dixon also accused music executive L.A. Reid of similar abhorrent behavior, who has also denied any and all claims. According to court documented reportedly obtained by AllHipHop, both legal teams are considering settlements in their respective cases. But it’s unclear what the future will hold in terms of proper evaluation of evidence, accountability, and industry change. For more news and the latest updates on Russell Simmons, check back in with HNHH.
“Either she was traumatized by what she been through. Either she was traumatized and she was sick and hurt, or she loved every minute of it,” he said. “It’s either, or. No, it ain’t both. It’s either, or because if you said he done what all he allegedly did, then you traumatized in one way. But it also can be a way– I know women who– I had a woman tell me, ‘I want you to come look for me and grab me out the club.’ I’m saying that to say she could’ve loved every minute of it.”
HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 25: Cassie Ventura (L) and Sean “Diddy” Combs attend Big Sean’s concert hosted by Revolt TV to celebrate his new album ‘Dark Sky Paradise’ at Hollywood & Highland Courtyard on February 25, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images)
Cassie filed her lawsuit against Diddy back in November, accusing him of various allegations including rape. The two reached a settlement just a day later. However, in the following weeks, several more alleged victims came forward with stories of abuse from Diddy. The Bad Boy mogul finally spoke out, earlier this month. “Enough is enough,” Diddy wrote on Instagram. “For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy. Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”
Check out Boosie’s full comments on the fallout from Diddy’s lawsuits above Be on the lookout for further updates on Boosie Badazz as well as Diddy on HotNewHipHop.
While Diddy and Cassie settled the sexual assault lawsuit that the latter brought against the former, the story is still not over. On one hand, multiple other alleged victims came forward with legal action of their own against him, which is seemingly spiraling further and further with each passing week. On the other, other tangential figures in the singer’s case came forward with their own testimonies and claims. The latest to do this is Cassie’s friend Tiffany Red, who wrote a letter to Sean Combs published in Rolling Stone. In it, she gives weight to her friend’s claims and further suggests certain patterns when it comes to his allegedly abhorrent behavior.
Moreover, Red explained that she met Cassie in 2015, and that she helped her write songs for her second album, which never came out. They became close, and spoke about the latter’s relationship with Diddy quite often. So, when the three met at Cassie’s surprise 29th birthday party, Tiffany alleged that he didn’t take kindly to her being so close with his artist. When the singer wanted to go to a karaoke bar, Puffy and his crew allegedly tried to convince her otherwise, but they ended up making it shortly after Cassie and company got there. Then, he took the Connecticut native outside for a chat, and Red followed them given her hunch that something was up.
Furthermore, Diddy allegedly verbally abused Cassie when Red found them, and she became too scared to do anything as his entourage surrounded them. When everyone was back at Cassie’s apartment, she left to be with him even though she didn’t want to, according to her friend. This is allegedly the “freak-off” sex party that she named in her now-settled lawsuit. Later that night, Red claimed, they both returned very drunk and high, and the Bad Boy mogul screamed at her for her work on Cassie’s songs.
“I am traumatized by you,” the letter reads. “Your abuse of power has inflicted ongoing harm on countless individuals, including myself, my friends, and my peers. It pains me to write this letter to you as a Black woman, but when will this cycle of abuse stop? It has to stop.” For more news and the latest updates on Cassie and Diddy, stick around on HNHH.
50 Cent is continuing to target Diddy on Instagram, as the Bad Boy mogul is facing multiple lawsuits concerning sexual abuse. In his latest post referencing Diddy, 50 remarked that he has “fuck you” money while reacting to a New York Times piece about his business empire. The headline for the article asks, “After Sexual Assault Suits, Are Sean Combs’s Empire and Brand at Risk?”
“No he will be fine,” 50 wrote. “He has so much money, when his corporate partners pull out. he will just reach in his pockets and make it happen. You saw how fast he paid Cassie. He’s a real Billionaire he has fuck you money guys, So fuck you! @bransoncognac @lecheminduroi @thefinallaptour Diddy Do It? COMING SOON!”
LAS VEGAS – SEPTEMBER 08: Sean “Diddy” Combs, Paris Hilton and 50 Cent attends 50 Cent Hosts Party at The Hard Rock on September 8, 2007 in Las Vegas, NV (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
In response to the post, many of 50’s followed noted that the rivalry is deeper than it appears. “If you would’ve told me 15 years ago that we’d witness the rise of 50 cent as a mogul and the end of Diddy, I would’ve looked at you like,” one user wrote. Another commented: “Y’all must ain’t read @50cent book, because once I read it I understand how he moves and admire it! The dude is smart AF and his posts are not what you think they are.” Check out 50’s full post on Instagram below.
The drama surrounding Diddy began, last month, when Cassie filed a lawsuit against him, alleging physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. While the two settled within 24 hours, two more accusers came forward in the days afterward. Diddy has vehemently denied all of the allegations against him. Be on the lookout for further updates on 50 Cent as well as the fallout from Diddy’s allegations on HotNewHipHop.
The last few days have certainly been intense for Cassie Ventura and Sean “Diddy” Combs. On November 16, 2023, Cassie filed a lawsuit against the music mogul, immediately making headlines across the media. While the two dated for a decade, their relationship has been over since 2018. Following their separation, they seemed to have remained amicable and barely interacted with each other since. However, in a shocking turn of events, Cassie accused Diddy of years of physical abuse and sex trafficking in her recent civil lawsuit.
Interestingly enough, a settlement was reached just a day later, which shocked the public even further, raising eyebrows as to why Diddy was so quick to settle the suit. As of November 20th, the case was officially dismissed. In the short time that the lawsuit stood, several notable celebrities stood behind Cassie. Besides her loyal fans, and a horde of social media users, here’s a list of people who openly supported Cassie.
Personal trainer and actor Alex Fine is Cassie’s husband of four years. The two began dating in 2018, shortly after her split from Diddy. Interestingly, Diddy was originally a client of Fine, and it was the mogul who introduced him to Cassie. Subsequently, he became a personal trainer to Cassie as well, and the rest is history.
A source told People that Cassie “started to open up” to Fine after they hit it off in the early stages of their relationship. Evidently, he has been in her corner ever since. Unsurprisingly, since Cassie filed the lawsuit against Diddy, Fine has stood firmly behind her. Soon after news of the lawsuit broke, Fine shared a picture of himself and Cassie from their wedding on his Instagram story. Markedly, he captioned it with a heart emoji, but it was a simple but profound show of support for his wife.
Former lead singer of girl group, Danity Kane, O’Day wasted no time showing her support for Cassie. Following the news of Cassie’s lawsuit, she shared several screenshots on X, with the caption, “I stay trying to tell y’all.” In addition, she shared with Page Six that she is “in complete support” of Cassie. Furthermore, in a statement to Rolling Stone, she said, “Taking a stand against one of the most influential figures in this industry and being open about your encounters with them isn’t an easy path. I empathize deeply with what Cassie is going through because I’ve walked a similar road.”
After Diddy and Cassie settled their lawsuit, O’Day blasted the justice system, writing, “Money [over] accountability. Every time.” Many misconstrued the comment as a slight toward Cassie, though O’Day cleared the air. “I WAS TALKING ABOUT DIDDY NOT CASSIE. she tole her story, she was brave,” she wrote. “The person that needed to hold themself accountable was PUFF, NOT HER. Justice is a word that means nothing to those that can afford it’s grasp.”
Formerly signed to Bad Boy Records herself, O’Day suggested that she had unsavory experiences during her time with the label. On an episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast from 2022, the singer alleged that she was fired from Danity Kane because she “wasn’t willing to do what was expected. Not talent-wise, but in other areas.” Evidently, she maintained a cryptic stance, perhaps to protect herself. However, her recent comments supporting Cassie indicate that she may have previously contemplated filing a lawsuit of her own. While she has not been as direct and detailed about her experiences, her support for Cassie piqued the interest of fans, especially since she has been vocal about her disdain for Diddy for years.
Like Aubrey O’Day, Dawn Richard is a former member of Danity Kane. In the past, she had barely had anything negative to say about her former label boss. However, following the announcement of the lawsuit, she openly supported Cassie. On November 16, she posted on X, “Praying for Cassie and her family, for peace and healing. You are beautiful and brave.” This also came as no surprise to fans, as the shocking disbandment of Danity Kane has long since troubled fans.
Admittedly, Kimora Lee’s support for Cassie and the lawsuit against Diddy is mostly presumed. However, fans believe the cryptic Instagram story the model posted on November 17 could have only been pointing to one thing. Lee herself has had an altercation with Diddy in the past. Therefore, when she posted “As you sow, so you shall reap,” following reports of the lawsuit, fans quickly connected the dots. Without confirmation, however, it cannot be said for sure what Lee was referring to.
Never one to hold back, Azealia Banks confidently chipped in, backing Cassie soon after the lawsuit was announced. While setting camp on Instagram, she alleged that Diddy once beat Cassie up. According to her, it was so bad that Diddy had to send her to Hawaii to heal away from the eyes of the press. She proceeded to call Diddy “another violent hip-hop homosexual.”
Well, that was fast! Cassie and hip-hop mogul Sean Combs, widely known as Diddy, have settled the explosive lawsuit just one day after Cassie filed allegations of rape and numerous instances of physical abuse against Combs. The serious allegations swept social media by storm. With many figures publicly supporting Cassie and many others staying quiet. Diddy’s legal team denied everything, but there were allegations that Diddy offered Cassie 8 figures to stay quiet.
However, the announcement of the settlement came on a Friday evening, with both parties choosing not to disclose any details regarding the terms of the agreement. Cassie, whose full name is Casandra Ventura, released a statement expressing her decision to resolve the matter amicably, stating, “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans, and lawyers for their unwavering support.”
Similarly, Sean Combs offered a brief statement, saying, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.” The swift resolution of this high-profile case leaves many unanswered questions, as the details of the settlement remain confidential. The outcome spares both parties from a legal battle while leaving the public to contemplate the broader implications of such allegations in the entertainment industry.
Additionally, settling it quickly is the better option for Combs if avoiding the prospect of a trial is the goal. A trial would involve public disclosure of evidence, which can have detrimental effects on his public perception. “Cassie accomplished what she wanted, she got to tell her story and now she’s added a layer of protection,” one user commented on social media. “He can’t do anything to harm her without all of us looking directly at him.” “Cassie & Diddy settled that faster than an episode of SVU. Diddy didn’t want anything else to come out, it must’ve been REAL BAD but Cassie started a catalyst. That trigger warning on that 35 page court document sealed the deal. This is not the last we gone hear about him!!” another person said.
The legal dispute garnered international attention as Cassie leveled accusations against Combs. She alleged a history of physical assault, manipulative conduct, and instances of sexual abuse, including rape. Stay tuned to see how things continue to unfold, if they do. What are your thoughts on Diddy settling this matter urgently?
Content Warning: This article contains graphic details of sexual assault and abuse that some may have disturbing.
The entertainment industry has been rocked by bombshell accusations as Cassie, an R&B singer and former signee of music mogul Sean Combs (Puff Daddy or Diddy), has filed a federal lawsuit against him, per the New York Times. The lawsuit alleges a decade-long pattern of control, abuse, and even rape, stunning the public and prompting strong denials from Combs.
“After years in silence and darkness,” the singer said in a statement, “I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships.” Below, we broke down Cassie’s lawsuit and the allegations against Diddy.
LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 02: Model Cassie Ventura (L) and Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs pose ringside at “Mayweather VS Pacquiao” presented by SHOWTIME PPV And HBO PPV at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 2, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for SHOWTIME)
Cassie, born Casandra Ventura, entered the limelight in 2005 and soon found herself in a romantic relationship with Sean Combs, who significantly shaped her career after signing her to Bad Boy. However, according to the lawsuit, what initially seemed like a promising collaboration turned into a nightmare for Cassie. She alleges that Combs exerted control over her life, including threatening to hold back her music, finances, and career, leading to a tumultuous relationship marred by alleged abuse.
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 11: Recording artist Sean Combs (L) and Cassie Ventura attend Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Debra Lee at The Beverly Hilton on February 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/WireImage)
The lawsuit outlines a disturbing series of events that paint a harrowing picture of abuse and manipulation endured by Cassie during her relationship with Combs. More specifically, it accuses Combs of subjecting her to physical assaults, including beatings that reportedly occurred multiple times annually. Additionally, she claimed Combs provided her with “copious amounts of drugs,” such as ecstasy and ketamine, and urged her to consume them. Shockingly, the suit alleges that Combs coerced her into having sex with male sex workers while he filmed these encounters. Moreover, Cassie claims that in 2018, Combs raped her in her own home.
Diddy allegedly had significant control over her life, including medical files. She purported that a report from an MRI scan she underwent (potentially due to drug use or abuse she suffered at the hands of Diddy) directly went to Combs. Cassie cited a specific incident of abuse that she faced at the hands of Diddy, where he allegedly kicked her repeatedly in the face for talking to a talent agent. She said when she asked to go to her parents’ home, Diddy refused.
Another shocking revelation from the lawsuit regarded Kid Cudi. Ventura and Cudi reportedly began dating in early 2012, angering Diddy to the point where he threatened to blow up his car. “Around that time,” the suit says, “Kid Cudi’s car exploded in his driveway.” Cudi reportedly corroborated the claims, stating, “This is all true.”
What Cassie Wants From The Lawsuit & The Defendants
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 06: Cassie Ventura attends the Sean “Diddy” Combs Fragrance Launch at Macy’s Herald Square on May 6, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images)
Cassie’s legal action seeks unspecified damages and accountability. However, an attorney for Combs said that she previously demanded $30 million prior to filing the suit. Cassie aims to shed light on the trauma she alleges she experienced during her time with Combs. The lawsuit names not only Combs but also individuals associated with him and his companies as defendants. Cassie’s legal team asserts that these entities enabled and covered up Combs’s alleged behavior, fostering a toxic environment that perpetuated her suffering.
Diddy’s Response
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 26: Sean “Diddy” Combs attends Day 1 of 2023 Invest Fest at Georgia World Congress Center on August 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
In response to the allegations, Sean Combs, who recently joined hip-hop’s billionaire club, vehemently denies the accusations made by Cassie. His lawyer, Ben Brafman, dismisses the claims as baseless and part of an attempt to tarnish Combs’s reputation. “Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura’s persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail. Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs’s reputation and seeking a payday,” Brafman said.
However, in response, Cassie’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, said Combs actually tried to buy her silence. “Mr. Combs offered Ms. Ventura eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit,” he said. “She rejected his efforts.”
Conclusion
Cassie’s decision to come forward aligns with New York’s Adult Survivors Act, offering a platform for survivors of abuse to seek justice even after the statute of limitations has expired. The lawsuit accuses Diddy of sexual abuse, sexual assault, and violations of New York City’s gender-motivated violence laws. However, since a number of these incidents occurred in different cities, she also said that she’s a victim of human trafficking.
“With the expiration of New York’s Adult Survivors Act fast approaching,” she said, “it became clear that this was an opportunity to speak up about the trauma I have experienced and that I will be recovering from for the rest of my life.”
As the legal battle unfolds, it’s crucial to recognize the significance of survivors speaking out against alleged perpetrators. Regardless of the verdict, Cassie’s courageous act emphasizes the importance of addressing abuse and standing up for victims’ rights. The case underscores the need for accountability and the ongoing conversation surrounding the treatment of women in the music industry and beyond.
Wade Robson and James Safechuck, central figures in HBO’s Leaving Neverland documentary, will see their case against Michael Jackson’s estate go to trial. Both men allege that the “King of Pop” sexually molested them when they were children. A trio of appellate court judges in California’s Court of Appeals ruled against MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures. As a result, they ordered the case be heard in a jury trial in a lower court.
Robson alleges that Jackson abused him between the ages of 7 and 14 beginning in 1990. Similarly, Safechuck claims he was abused by the pop star between the ages of 10 and 14 beginning in 1988. The allegations were first made public in the aforementioned 2019 documentary. Furthermore, both men allege that employees of MJJ Productions were implicit in the grooming and sexual abuse of children by Jackson. Both men filed lawsuits in the mid-2010s but saw them rejected due to the statute of limitations. After California passed new laws in 2019, the men tried again in 2020. That suit, the same one that was just successfully appealed, was struck down as a judge ruled that Jackson’s companies did not have a legal obligation to protect the two men from sexual abuse.
SANTA MARIA, CA – JUNE 13: Michael Jackson prepares to enter the Santa Barbara County Superior Court to hear the verdict read in his child molestation case June 13, 2005 in Santa Maria, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian-Pool/Getty Images)
“We are disappointed with the Court’s decision. Two distinguished trial judges repeatedly dismissed these cases on numerous occasions over the last decade because the law required it. We remain fully confident that Michael is innocent of these allegations, which are contrary to all credible evidence and independent corroboration, and which were only first made years after Michael’s death. We trust that the truth will ultimately prevail with Michael’s vindication yet again. Michael Jackson himself said, ‘lies run sprints, but the truth runs marathons,’” said attorney Jonathan Steinsapir.
Furthermore, a source close to the estate spoke exclusively with PEOPLE. “The Estate will likely ask the California Supreme Court to review the decision. A settlement is not on the table.” However, for the time being, one of the landmark sexual abuse cases of the century is headed for trial. This is a developing story and we’ll have any updates as and when they emerge.
