By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
Hip Hop pioneer and business mogul Russell Simmons has filed a $20 million lawsuit in New York against HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery, and the producers of the 2020 documentary On the Record, alleging defamation, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy. The lawsuit claims the film deliberately omitted key evidence, including testimony from more than 20 individuals who Simmons says contradicted the sexual assault allegations featured in the movie. Simmons, who currently resides in Bali, argues that high-level executives at WarnerMedia, including CEO John Stankey, were made aware of exculpatory evidence but allowed the documentary to proceed without it. He also alleges that several civil rights leaders and members of Congress urged HBO to reconsider airing the film. The lawsuit notes Oprah Winfrey’s public departure from the project, stating that she withdrew after expressing concerns about inconsistencies in the accusations.
The documentary, which premiered on HBO Max and debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, profiles women who accused Simmons of sexual misconduct, including Drew Dixon, Sheri Hines, Sil Lai Abrams, Alexia Norton Jones, and Jenny Lumet. Simmons has denied allegations and said he has never been violent toward anyone. Speaking with Black Press USA in 2020, Simmons said he had taken and passed nine lie detector tests administered by the president of the California Polygraph Association. A source close to Simmons at the time said neither HBO nor filmmakers Amy and Kirby Dick sought his input or statement before releasing the film. In an interview with CBS This Morning, Oprah Winfrey later explained her departure from the project, stating, “Houston, I think we have a problem here,” referring to new information she had received. Sources close to Simmons indicated he believed Winfrey’s decision stemmed from recognizing the potential backlash, comparing it to the Tawana Brawley case from the 1980s.
Among the statements submitted in support of Simmons were accounts from individuals challenging the credibility of some accusers. A former intern who worked with Drew Dixon wrote a letter to Winfrey questioning Dixon’s claims and providing her observations. Music industry figure Jayson Jackson, who once dated Dixon, said she was willing to do anything to gain fame, while model Kara Young said Dixon had attempted to share unrelated abuse claims on Tyra Banks’ talk show. Allegations from Sheri Hines were also challenged based on factual discrepancies. Hines claimed Simmons raped her in 1983 after they met at the Hotel Diplomat, which had reportedly closed several years earlier. Rapper Kurtis Blow, who Hines said was present during her time with Simmons, denied elements of her account, including limousine travel and Simmons’ ability to offer record deals at that time. Former Def Jam president Carmen Ashurst submitted an affidavit stating that Sil Lai Abrams had confided in her about consensual sex with Simmons and frustration about being used by men. Kenneth Lee, Simmons’ former driver, also provided an affidavit denying that he ever transported anyone against their will, countering Abrams’ claims. Alexia Norton Jones has publicly stated Simmons raped her during their first and only date, but multiple individuals familiar with the two told Black Press USA their relationship lasted about five months. Kenneth Jennings, a driver for Simmons, submitted an affidavit supporting that claim.
Jenny Lumet’s allegations were also addressed in the lawsuit. Though Lumet claimed Simmons directed a driver to take her to his home, where he assaulted her, she acknowledged that Simmons did not use physical force and that they remained in social contact afterward. Simmons said he felt compassion for Lumet, believing she was convinced of her account. Actress Rae Dawn Chong, a former girlfriend, told the Black Press she thought the situation offered a chance for all involved to learn and heal, adding that Simmons has always been someone willing to listen. Actress Rebecca Gayheart also voiced support for Simmons, telling Black Press USA, “I absolutely believe and love Russell. He’s a great human being.”
