Dakota Payne, an adult film actor whose real name is Eric Poff, has filed a lawsuit against Shangela, also known as Chantaize Darius Jeremy Pierce, alleging sexual assault. The incident allegedly occurred in October 2017 in New York City during a break while Shangela was filming "Hurricane Bianca". The lawsuit claims that Shangela and another unnamed male were involved in the assault. Payne is seeking a jury trial and compensatory damages.
The legal complaint accuses Shangela of violating New York's Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law. This law, originally enacted in 2000 and expanded in 2022 to extend the statute of limitations, aims to protect victims of gender-based violence. Payne's allegations describe a harrowing scene where he regained consciousness to find himself being assaulted.
"After Plaintiff started to fade into consciousness, he was bent over a bed being anally penetrated without consent by John Doe with Pierce watching from the corner of the room," – Dakota Payne (via court documents)
The lawsuit further details that both Pierce and the unnamed accomplice engaged in non-consensual acts with Payne, and alleges that following the incident, money was sent to him via PayPal by Pierce.
"Pierce then anally penetrated Plaintiff without his consent. Defendants could not obtain Plaintiff’s consent given his semi-conscious state. After the sexual assault, Pierce sent Plaintiff money via PayPal." – Dakota Payne (via court documents)
Shangela has vehemently denied the allegations. In a statement released on Tuesday, she labeled the claims as false and baseless.
"Being falsely accused in the most heinous ways is very difficult to endure. I'm advised to stay silent, and I'm doing my best to continue on without engaging in a back and forth with dishonest people seeking money or a moment. 'It's not worth it,' I tell myself." – Shangela
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Shangela remains firm in her defense, pointing out the lack of credible evidence or reliable witness testimony.
"false and unsupported by any evidence or reliable witness testimony" – Shangela
This is not the first time Shangela has faced such accusations. A prior suit against her was dismissed with prejudice. Nevertheless, a March 2024 report by Rolling Stone outlined claims from five individuals alleging sexual assault or attempted rape by Shangela between 2012 and 2018.
In her public response to these ongoing allegations, Shangela expressed gratitude for her supporters and reiterated her innocence.
"Even though NONE of these false claims have ever prevailed against me… my career, my character and even my family have suffered. I appreciate all y'all who see through this type of mess, and have even checked on me during dark times. Honestly, my heart thanks you." – Shangela
Shangela has achieved notable success in the entertainment industry, with appearances in films like "A Star Is Born" and "Hurricane Bianca" and on television shows such as "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "Dancing With the Stars". Despite her professional achievements, these allegations pose significant challenges to her personal and professional life.
A separate lawsuit filed by Daniel McGarrigle, a production assistant, earlier this year also accuses Shangela of rape and gender violence. In response to these allegations, Shangela took to Instagram to voice her frustration.
"I started off my week super grateful for life, texted with my mom, repacked my drag bag, and just been minding my own lil gay business. Then here comes some BS," – Shangela
Shangela's attorney, Andrew Brettler, has not commented on the current lawsuit. The case is expected to proceed through the legal system as both parties prepare for a potential trial.
