Beyoncé and Rihanna producer The Dream accused of rape

Terius Gesteelde-Diamant, better known as The Dream, has been accused of rape, sexual battery and "horrific psychological manipulation".

The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California by Chanaaz Mangroe, who performed as Channii Monroe.

A leading figure in the music industry, The Dream has worked with artists such as Beyoncé, Rihanna and Britney Spears, scoring several hits with tracks like 'Single Ladies' and 'Umbrella'.

According to the New York Times, Mangroe claims that in 2015 The Dream "lured the young and vulnerable artist into an abusive, violent, and manipulative relationship filled with physical assaults, violent sexual encounters, and horrific psychological manipulation."

Mangroe further alleges that Gesteelde-Diamant - who is married and has fathered nine children - would reportedly give her large amounts of drugs and alcohol before initiating intercourse, which he would then record and threaten to release.

She also claims that Gesteelde-Diamant kept a firearm close during these encounters and strangled her on more than one occasion.

Mangro further reports that she was kept in a dark room adjacent to the music studio, where she would be naked and alone for hours. The lawsuit claims that he "would only stop aggressively having sex with her once she said that she loved him."

The lawsuit claims that Gesteelde-Diamant " led Ms Mangroe to believe, through manipulation and coercion, that if she allowed him to completely control every aspect of her life, they could create the ultimate 'sanctuary' that would surpass anything he accomplished with Beyoncé or Rihanna."

The Dream has responded in a statement to the New York Times. "These claims are untrue and defamatory," he said. "I oppose all forms of harassment and have always strived to help people realise 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."

Gesteelde-Diamant was previously arrested over the reported assault of his ex-girlfriend Lydia Nam in 2014. The producer was accused of assault, strangulation, reckless endangerment and child endangerment against his then-pregnant partner. However, prosecutors later dropped the case against him. The alleged assault is reported to have taken place three months before the birth of his son.

In a statement, Mangroe said: "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. Ultimately, my silence has become too painful, and I realised that I need to tell my story to heal. I hope that doing so will also help others and prevent future horrific abuse."

Mangroe is seeking damages for "lost wages" and for "mental pain and anguish and severe emotional distress".

The lawsuit also raises claims of sex trafficking against the The Dream.

Mangroe is represented by Douglas H. Wigdor and Meredith A. Firetog in the lawsuit. The pair previously represented Casandra Ventura (better known as the singer Cassie ) against Sean Combs or 'Diddy', who was also accused of sex trafficking and sexual assault in a case filed in November.

"This is yet another horrific example of how men in the music industry use their power and influence to manipulate and harm others," said the lawyers in a statement.