📺 Russell Simmons Sues Warner Bros. Discovery Over ‘On the Record’
Russell Simmons has filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery, alleging defamation and a deliberate disregard for evidence disputing sexual assault accusations featured in the On the Record documentary — now streaming on HBO Max.
📄 Inside The $20 Million Defamation Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in New York state court, accuses the filmmakers and distributors of defamation, invasion of privacy, and false advertising.
Simmons is demanding $20 million in damages, along with a court order to remove On the Record from all HBO Max platforms.
Directed by Oscar-nominated duo Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, and produced by Jane Doe Films, On the Record chronicles the harrowing experiences of several women — including Drew Dixon, Sil Lai Abrams, and Jenny Lumet — as they speak out about alleged sexual abuse by the hip-hop mogul.
The film was originally backed by Apple TV+ until Oprah Winfrey stepped away from the project, citing creative differences.
HBO Max ultimately acquired it as its first festival pickup.
📉 Russell Simmons Says Key Evidence Was Ignored
Simmons claims the filmmakers intentionally dismissed crucial counter-evidence, including:
- Over 20 witness interviews from individuals in media and politics
- Nine polygraph tests
- A presentation of this evidence to Warner execs John Stankey and Casey Bloys
According to Simmons’ legal team, this information challenged the film’s narrative but was disregarded in favor of a more sensationalist story.
His attorney, Imran Ansari, argues the documentary’s creators failed to adhere to accepted journalistic standards and instead promoted a one-sided account.
Related: Chris Brown Files $500 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Warner Bros.
📰 Media Silence & A Broken Distribution Deal
The lawsuit also points out that several major news outlets — including CNN, MSNBC, and the New York Post — declined to cover the documentary, further raising concerns about the film’s accuracy.
Simmons also references the Apple TV+ distribution deal that fell apart after Oprah Winfrey’s highly publicized exit from the project.
🎬 Accolades & Controversy
Despite the legal drama, On the Record has earned critical acclaim.
It premiered at Sundance to standing ovations and currently holds a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Hollywood Reporter called it “a stunning feat of complexity that’s both contained and expansive.”
But Simmons remains firm in his stance that the film defames him, especially as Drew Dixon, one of the film’s central voices, has also filed a defamation lawsuit against him.
Additionally, a separate lawsuit was recently filed by a former music executive — listed as Jane Doe — who accuses Simmons of sexual assault and battery.
⚖️ What’s Next?
While On the Record continues to stream on HBO Max and receive critical praise, Russel Simmons’ lawsuit marks another dramatic chapter in the ongoing reckoning around power, accountability, and truth in the entertainment industry.
Sidebar: My first question is…Did Russ file this lawsuit via email from Bali? 👀
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