Oprah’s Exit From Russell Simmons S3xual A$$ault Documentary Revisited In New Court Docs, Mogul Allegedly Received Claims Questioning Accuser

Russell Simmons, Oprah

Oprah’s Exit From Russell Simmons S3xual A$$ault Documentary Revisited In New Court Docs, Mogul Allegedly Received Claims Questioning Accuser

New court docs are shedding light on Oprah Winfrey’s controversial decision to withdraw from a documentary examining s*xual a$$ault allegations against Russell Simmons just weeks before its 2020 premiere.

According to Page Six, newly filed court papers suggest Winfrey’s departure from On the Record may have been influenced by claims from an unnamed friend questioning the credibility of Drew Dixon, a former Def Jam executive who accused Simmons of r*ping her in 1995.

The docs, submitted October 30 by Dixon’s attorneys in Simmons’ lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery, include a letter from filmmakers Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick addressing concerns reportedly raised with Winfrey.

The unnamed friend allegedly claimed Dixon had been romantically involved with Simmons at the time of the alleged a$$ault and was motivated by fame and money.

Dixon has denied having a romantic relationship with Simmons.

In their letter, the filmmakers challenged those claims, questioning:

“How does any of the above lead one to conclude Drew wasn’t r*ped?”

They also argued that a person’s relationship history or motivations do not determine whether s•xual a$$ault occurred.

Winfrey withdrew as executive producer in January 2020, shortly before the documentary’s Sundance Film Festival premiere.

At the time, she explained:

“I unequivocally believe and support the women.”

She also maintained that the docu needed additional work and that she and the filmmakers disagreed over its creative direction. Winfrey previously acknowledged that Simmons contacted her multiple times and attempted to pressure her regarding the documentary. However, she maintained that his efforts did not influence her decision.

The newly disclosed correspondence raises questions about whether information from Winfrey’s unnamed friend played a role in her withdrawal. The docs do not establish that those claims were the deciding factor.

Simmons has denied all allegations of s*xual misconduct and has not faced criminal charges related to the accusations.

Dixon has separately sued Simmons for defamation after he publicly disputed her r•pe allegation.