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- News of April 2002 -
~*~*~*~//April 26, 2002 \\~*~*~*~
~ ~ Greg's official website www.gregraposo.com has updated the Ask Greg section again

~*~*~*~//April 25, 2002 \\~*~*~*~
~ As you might know, Dream Street went into court yesterday but it as been postponed again until tomorrow. Cross your fingers and pray!

~*~*~*~//April 23, 2002 \\~*~*~*~
~ LATER IN THE AFTERNOON ~
~ Two more articles have been added.
Click here for the first one or read on. http://1010wins.com/StoryFolder/story_34371883_html

Boy Band Suit Alleges Teen Temptations 
Apr 23, 2002 1:00 pm US/Eastern 

NEW YORK (AP) -- Ahh, the temptations of being in a boy band.

There's booze, and women, and pornography, and unscrupulous management -- at least according to a lawsuit filed by the parents of teen pop sensations Dream Street.

The suit, filed in state Supreme Court in Manhattan, alleged that band co-creators Louis Baldonieri and Brian Lukow "have engaged in a wide range of conduct and activities that plainly threaten and impair the minors' well-being," according to an affidavit from band manager John Stuart.

Baldonieri and Lukow denied the charges, with Baldonieri saying the parents were the ones setting a bad example.

The adults were "teaching kids you can sign anything, then lie, cheat and defame people for your benefit," Baldonieri said. The lawsuit seeks back pay and the release of the band from its current contract.

Baldonieri said the parents were trying to make a financial killing now that the five-member band has become popular.

In their suit, the parents said they were just trying to protect the youths. Stuart, in his affidavit, said the executives encouraged the teens "to have sexual relations with teen-age girls" and offered them liquor.

Two members of the band received pornographic e-mails from a band investor, the court papers alleged. And the mothers of the band members alleged that they were insulted as "dumb housewives" by the executives in front of their sons.

The members of Dream Street run from age 15 to 17. Their debut album contained the hit singles "It Happens Everytime" and "I Say Yeah."
_______________________________________

~ The second article is from Teen Magazine, which can be found at www.teenmag.com. The direct link for it is http://www.teenmag.com/starstuff/dailybuzz/. The article is below.

DREAM STREET LAWSUIT 

The parents of pop group Dream Street have filed a lawsuit against the band's record producers charging that they've been ripping the guys off while encouraging them to commit inappropriate acts, like drinking and sex. 

The producers, who also created Dream Street through an audition process, are denying the allegations and say that the parents are using the lawsuit to try to get the Dream Street guys out of their contract so they can sign a more lucrative deal. 

The groups personal manager, Jon Stuart, claims in court papers that Jesse, Frank, Matt, Gregory and Christopher were pressured by their record producers to engage in negative conduct involving drugs, alcohol and sex, which the boys refused. 

The Dream Street parents are seeking back pay and their sons' release from their contract. There's no word on how this will effect Dream Street's musical career. 

~ IN THE AFTERNOON ~
~ PLEASE PRAY FOR DREAM STREET AND THEIR MOMS. THEY ARE GOING ON TRIAL TOMORROW! PRAY AND GIVE THEM YOUR LOVE AS A DREAM STREET FAN. SUPPORT THEM AND PRAY!!! THAT THEY WIN THIS CASE. WE WANT DREAM STREET FAnS TO STICK TOGETHER AND TO HELP THE GUYS AND THEIR FAMILIES GET THRU THIS ROUGH TIME!

~ Either tonight or tomorrow night, on the TV show EXTRA, they will be airing a story on the lawsuit issue. Depending on where you live, the show might air at different times. Check it out here at http://extratv.warnerbros.com/local/index.html to find out when it will be showing in your area.

~ THIS HAS BEEN TAKEN FROM DODS
~ The DS lawsuit made it to the New York Post and the New York Dail Newspaper. Read the articles here or follow the links.

NEW YORK POST
April 23, 2002
http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/46269.htm
NYPOST.COM Entertainment: SUIT: DREAM STREET BOY BAND A NIGHTMARE 
By CHIP DEFFAA

It isn't easy being clean-cut. 

The parents of pint-sized pop sensations Dream Street have filed suit against the boy band's record producers, charging they've been ripping off the kids while encouraging them to partake in sex, drugs, booze and porn. 

The producers, band co-creators Louis Baldonieri and Brian Lukow, deny the allegations, and charge the parents made up the claims in a bid to get the gold-record-selling teens out of their contract and into a more lucrative deal. 

The parents "are the ones setting the bad example . . . Teaching kids you can sign anything, then lie, cheat and defame people for your benefit," blasted Baldonieri. 

The made-for-VH1 tale dates back to 1999, when Baldonieri and Lukow started auditioning teens for a new boy band, whose hook would be that they were really teenagers. 

They finally settled on five New York-area kids in their mid-teens - Jesse McCartney, Frank Galasso, Matt Ballinger, Gregory Raposo and Christopher Trousdale. Their self-titled debut album was released late last year, and became a hit thanks to catchy singles such as "It Happens Every Time" and "I Say Yeah," now Disney Radio staples. 

But behind the music's success, there were problems, said the group's personal manager, Jon Stuart. 

He claims in court papers that the producers "engaged in a wide range of conduct and activities that plainly threaten and impair the minors' well-being," including encouraging them "to have sexual relations with teenage girls (which the minors have refused)" and offering them booze, which they also refused. 

They also accuse the producers of "belittling" the popsters, including calling one "a dirtbag" and another "a fag." 

They also accuse an investor in the group of sending pornographic e-mails to two of the teens, and videotaping them while they dressed. The parents are seeking back pay and the kids' release from the contract.

_______________________________________

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
April 23, 2002
http://www.nydailynews.com/2002-04-23/News_and_Views/Daily_Dish/a-148565.asp
Rush and Molly: A Nightmare on Dream Street?  

Life for the boy band Dream Street is threatening to become a nightmare of porn, babes and booze, according to a complaint filed in Manhattan Supreme Court on the group's behalf.

The gold-record-selling quintet and their parents claim in the court papers that Dream Street's creators have repeatedly offered the teens beer and encouraged them to engage in sex with teenage girls. 

Furthermore, they claim a principal of Dream Street Entertainment, Inc., Louis Baldonieri, who helped to create the pop group, is also in the pornography business.

The teens' manager, Jon Stuart, said in an affidavit that Baldonieri, his partner, Brian Lukow, and an associate, Matt Mitchell, "have engaged in a wide range of conduct and activities that plainly threaten and impair the minors' well-being."

The band wants Justice Diane Lebedeff to revoke the court's September 2000 approval of its contract with DSE. (Court approval was necessary because band members were underage.)

Baldonieri and Lukow deny the allegations, charging the parents with trying to "steal" the group now that it is poised to make money.

Dream Street's self-titled first album has sold 703,000 copies since July. Its members include Jesse McCartney, 15, Frank Galasso, 17, Matthew Ballinger, 16, Gregory Raposo, 16, and Christopher Trousdale, 16.

Baldonieri is also a vice president of World Media Group, according to court papers. Stuart's affidavit claims the company produces several porn magazines, including one called Just Come of Age, which Stuart says borders on child pornography.

Baldonieri denies being a pornographer; he called Just Come of Age an "adult sophisticated magazine."

In addition, Mitchell allegedly sent Galasso and Raposo three pornographic e-mails earlier this year and has videotaped the boys getting dressed backstage, according to an affidavit filed by Raposo's mother, Maryann. She also complains that Lukow and Baldonieri are disrespectful to her and the other mothers, calling them "dumb housewives" in front of the boys.

"I have referred to them as worse than that," Baldonieri told The News' Helen Peterson. Baldonieri and Lukow deny offering the boys booze or women. 

~*~*~*~//April 22, 2002 \\~*~*~*~
~ Happy 17th Birthday to Matt. Behind the Dreams would like to wish him a very happy birthday and may all his wishes come true! =P

~*~*~*~//April 20, 2002 \\~*~*~*~
~ > ~ Greg's official website www.gregraposo.com has updated the Ask Greg section

~*~*~*~//April 18, 2002 \\~*~*~*~
~ According to Jesse's Official Website this is the following on the court case.

At the court hearing on April 15th, Dream Street Entertainment, Inc. asked for a time extension to answer the charges in the lawsuit brought by the band members against them. The judge granted their request and scheduled the next court date for April 24th. We will post any information when we get it.

~*~*~*~//April 16, 2002 \\~*~*~*~
~ Dream Street is mentioned AGAIN at www.katrillion.com. If you go to The 10 Hottest Music Stars Under 18 and go to page 2, you can read about them and see why they have been put on the list.

~ If you head over to http://pbskids.org/zoom/reviews/dreamstreet.shtml, you can read what other fans have to say about Dream Street. While you're there, submit your own opinion.

~*~*~*~//April 15, 2002 \\~*~*~*~
~ I just recieved the update from the Official Dream Street Street Team Newsletter.
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~ Hey guys-- we know that we haven't sent out any updates in awhile but we have some new news that we wanted you to be the first to know about:

Details in the legal proceedings between the members of Dream Street and Dream Street Entertainment have been released in a daily bulletin sent out by Billboard, only within the industry. It has not been confirmed by either side (the members of the group or the producers) but the article states that officers of Dream Street Entertainment were involved in manufacturing and production of pornographic materials, unknown to the group members and their families. Two pornographic publications used the same address as the one used for Dream Street Entertainment. DODS (http://www.downondreamstreet.com/) and Dream Street World (http://www.dreamstreetworld.com/), The Official Street Team and Official Fan Club Newsletter wants to remind you that this has not been confirmed by either side. The boys appreciate your support. Please do not ask any questions concerning this matter. ThankYou.

In addition, there are many rumors floating around about Dream Street breaking up and/or Jesse leaving the group. Following are the FACTS:

*Jesse, Greg, Matt, Frankie and Chris plan to continue as a complete group. No one is leaving, and the group is by no means breaking up.

*The members of Dream Street have filed a lawsuit against Dream Street Entertainment for conduct by Louie, Brian and Matt (Mitchell) that they believe is threatening the well-being of the boys.

*No decisions have been made in court, and it may be a lengthy legal process.

*Most important, this is a time for the fans to band together. Stay tough for the guys, and they'll stay tough for you! As long as everyone hangs in here and continues to support the group as we have in the past, everything is going to turn out fine.

~*~*~*~//April 12, 2002 \\~*~*~*~
~ Behind the Dreams want to clear things up about the rumors floating around. I know a lot of people recieved the Official Dream Street ST email yesterday about Jesse leaving Dream Street.
~ Jesse McCartney will no longer be with Dream Street! He resigned to become an actor for the new Nick series, The Advetures of Caption Cruiz. We have no more information on this yet, as does any other sites, but once we get it, it will be posted!

This news was given by a reliable source!

This is INCORRECT. MaryAnn's Official Update and Jesse's Official Site provides the following information.
(Sorry this was posted late)

~ MaryAnn's Offical Dream Street update has been sent out and this is what is says :

DREAM STREET ANNOUNCEMENT
------------------------------------------------
We know that a lot of rumors and stories are being circulated about the group and it's future so we wanted to respond to let you know what's going on and to set the record straight. On Tuesday, April 9th we filed legal proceedings against Dream Street Entertainment, Inc., the company that's run by Louie Baldonieri and Brian Lukow with the help of Matt Mitchell. In the legal papers, we asked the court to terminate the agreement between the group and Dream Street Entertainment because of conduct of Louie, Brian and Matt that we truly believe is threatening the boys' well-being. While the details are set forth in the court papers, because of the legal proceedings we think that it's best not to comment any further and to let the court decide how to handle things. There is hearing before the court on Monday, April 15th and we will let you know what happens. Be assured that Dream Street is not breaking up. In fact, the group has never felt more strongly about it's future and about staying together.

I know you all have many many questions regarding this. Please try your hardest not to e-mail me with questions. I promise to keep you all up to date will all official information as I receive it. Greg, Frankie, Matt, Jesse & Chris appreciate all your support.

One more request. If you feel the need to e-mail me please write in the subject "I am On Your Update List ."

Keep Us In Your Prays,
Maryann Raposo

~ The same is put up on Jesse's Official Website - JesseMcCartney.com. Also direct statement is..

Jesse has NOT quit the band. Jesse intends to and wants to do both Dream Street and the television series. Details just have to be worked out.

~*~*~*~//April 8, 2002 \\~*~*~*~
~ Happy Birthday to Jesse! BtD wants to wish him a very Happy 15th Birthday and may all his dreams come true. *MUAH* HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

~*~*~*~//April 8, 2002 \\~*~*~*~
~ Jesse who was nominated Young Artist Award for "Best Performance in a TV Drama Series- Supporting Young Actor" for his part as JR on All My Children, won the award last night. This is the second year in a row that he has won the award. COngratulations!!!!

~ AOL members, head over to AOL Soap City, where they're asking, "Who deserves to win a Daytime Emmy as Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series?" Be sure to vote for Jesse! He is in the lead as I post this, but let's keep him there! Please realize that this isn't actually voting for the Daytime Emmy's. The winners of the awards are chosen by a panel of voters, not by fans. VOTE NOW!!!!

~*~*~*~//April 7, 2002 \\~*~*~*~
~ Dream Street has a small mention on page 34 in the most recent issue of TEEN Magazine. There is an interview with Lindsay Pagano where she mentions the tour with Aaron Carter and Dream Street.

~ The Go For It! TV Show began a new season today, meaning they will no longer be repeating the old episodes with Dream Street on Saturday afternoons at noon. Instead they will be showing new episodes with 3rd Faze and other featured guests, not including Dream Street. As of now we're unsure as to whether or not the DS episodes will continue to be re-aired at a different time.

~ Greg's official website www.gregraposo.com has updated the Ask Greg section and added photos to the Pictures section once again.  Be sure to check the updates out!

~ Many rumors have been floating around about Jesse having a role on a Nickelodeon TV series, due to a mention in an ABC Soaps magazine.  If you're looking for the facts, check out this release from Jesse's Official Website, www.jessemccartney.com The release follows:
~ Two questions have come up recently.  Soaps In Depth magazine mentioned Jesse doing a TV series.  What is this about?  How did Soaps In Depth know about this before it was on the web site and before you (his publicist)?  Several months ago Jesse filmed a pilot for a series on Nickelodeon called "Legacy of Cameron Cruz."  Jesse plays the lead character Cameron Cruz.  When Jesse was in Toronto filming the pilot episode he missed some DS appearances and concerts and the rumors were going around that he was sick or something.  He was not sick.  He was working on this project.  Two weeks ago we set up an interview with Soaps In Depth for Jesse and told them about the pilot so Jesse could talk about it.  The Soaps In Depth article just came out before we thought it would.  We had not mentioned anything on the site before then because we were waiting to hear if the pilot had been picked up for a full season on Nickelodeon.  We still don't know for sure.  All I can tell you is the show is great!  It has done well with test audiences and we expect Nickelodeon to order a full season of episodes.  We will tell you here when we get the news.  Of course we knew about it when it happened several months ago!  To answer the question before it is asked....What is it about?  A "Sixth Sense" for television.  Cameron Cruz's life is set into a tailspin when he must move from his native Los Angeles to Savannah, Georgia in search of his Grandfather who has mysteriously disappeared.  Cameron's big city attitude often clashes with the small town locals, but these everyday difficulties are nothing compared to the unexpected "gift" that his Grandfather has left for him - the ability to see into the past and future.