Russell Simmons has initiated legal action against Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), claiming that the documentary “On the Record” defamed him by allegedly ignoring evidence that counters accusations of sexual assault made against him. In a lawsuit filed in New York state court, Simmons is pursuing $20 million in damages along with a request for the court to compel WBD to withdraw the documentary from its platforms.
“On the Record” chronicles the experiences of women who have accused Simmons of sexual misconduct, featuring accounts from notable figures such as former Def Jam executive Drew Dixon, activist Sil Lai Abrams, and screenwriter Jenny Lumet. The film was crafted by acclaimed directors Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, who are also named in Simmons’ complaint together with Dan Cogan from Impact Partners.
Significantly, prior to its acquisition by HBO Max, the documentary lost its distribution deal with Apple TV+ after Oprah Winfrey withdrew as executive producer, citing creative differences. Simmons’ lawsuit alleges that the filmmakers disregarded substantial evidence — including testimonies from over twenty witnesses and nine polygraph tests — that would have challenged the narrative presented in the film. According to the complaint, this evidence was brought to the attention of prominent figures such as John Stankey, former CEO of Warner Media, and Casey Bloys, chair and CEO of HBO and Max Content, who allegedly dismissed these materials.
Several media outlets, including CNN, the New York Post, and MSNBC, reportedly chose not to cover what Simmons claims are defamatory parts of the documentary. The lawsuit comes shortly after another claim was brought against Simmons regarding sexual assault and battery by an ex-executive at Def Jam, who maintains her anonymity.
Despite the ongoing allegations, “On the Record” received notable acclaim at its Sundance premiere, earning a standing ovation and maintaining a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised the film for its depth and complexity, with The Hollywood Reporter highlighting its impressive narrative.
The legal proceedings illustrate the continued tensions between the media portrayal of such serious allegations and the responses from those accused. As the case unfolds, it may shed further light on issues surrounding accountability and representation in the entertainment industry.