In a newly filed court document, Russell Simmons claims that the 2020 documentary On the Road is defamatory. The film, made by directors and producers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, dove into allegations of sexual misconduct against Simmons. It was released via HBO Max.
Simmons and his legal team filed their summons with notice in New York’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, June 3. In the document, they claim that HBO, HBO Max, Kirby Dick, Amy Ziering, and the filmmakers’ company, Jane Doe Films, “willfully, intentionally, negligently, and/or recklessly, disregarded and/or suppressed evidence and information, including interviews, and over twenty witnesses, that were supportive and favorable to Plaintiff [Russell W. Simmons], and/or refuted and rebutted the accusations falsely made against Plaintiff in the film.”
Simmons and his lawyers also cite the difficulties that Dick and Ziering had in getting their film released. Initially, Oprah Winfrey was attached as an executive producer, but she removed herself from the project ahead of its Sundance premiere, explaining: “In my opinion, there is more work to be done on the film to illuminate the full scope of what the victims endured and it has become clear that the filmmakers and I are not aligned in that creative vision.” Winfrey’s exit also meant the film would no longer premiere on Apple TV+.
Simmons and his team indicate that they are seeking $20 million in damages. A full lawsuit is likely forthcoming.
In a statement shared with Pitchfork, Imran H. Ansari and Carla DiMare, attorneys for Simmons, said: “Russell Simmons has filed a claim of defamation in court regarding the film On the Record. Despite voluminous support for Mr. Simmons in the form of credible information, persuasive evidence, witness statements, and calls for further investigation by notable members of the media, politics, and the civil rights movement, the defendants simply disregarded it, and released, and continue to re-release globally, a film that tremendously disparaged and damaged Mr. Simmons with salacious and defamatory accusations that he vehemently denies.”
In response, a spokesperson for HBO and HBO Max’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, said, “We dispute Mr. Simmons’ allegations, stand by the filmmakers and their process, and will vigorously defend ourselves against these unfounded allegations.”
On the Record was released after years of allegations of sexual abuse and harassment against Russell Simmons. The hip-hop mogul largely denied the allegations, and he won one lawsuit because a woman’s allegations fell beyond the statute of limitations. After years without facing major lawsuits or allegations, Simmons was sued in 2024 for sexual assault and defamation.
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