Russell Simmons, the pioneering hip-hop mogul and co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, has filed a $20 million defamation lawsuit against HBO, HBO Max, and the creators of the 2020 documentary On the Record. The film, directed by Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, delves into multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct against Simmons, primarily from the 1980s and 1990s.
Allegations of Suppressed Evidence
Filed on June 3 in New York Supreme Court, Simmons’ lawsuit claims that the filmmakers and HBO “willfully, intentionally, negligently, and/or recklessly disregarded and/or suppressed evidence and information” that could have supported his innocence. Specifically, Simmons alleges that over 20 favorable witness interviews and nine polygraph tests were omitted from the documentary.
His legal team argues that despite presenting this material to HBO and Warner Bros. executives, it was disregarded. Simmons contends that the film’s continued availability constitutes “republication,” thereby extending the statute of limitations for defamation claims.
HBO and Filmmakers Respond
Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of HBO, has rejected Simmons’ claims and pledged to defend the filmmakers’ work. Director Amy Ziering stated, “We always do a very rigorous process of vetting,” emphasizing the documentary’s thorough fact-checking process.
The documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020 and was later released on HBO Max. Initially, Oprah Winfrey was attached as an executive producer but withdrew her support prior to its premiere, citing creative differences and concerns about the film’s completeness.
Broader Context
Simmons has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct over the years, some of which have expired under the statute of limitations. In 2024, he was sued again for sexual assault and defamation.
The legal dispute arises amid a broader conversation about accountability in the entertainment industry, with other figures like Sean “Diddy” Combs and Chris Brown facing legal battles over documentary allegations.
As the case proceeds, it highlights the ongoing tensions between public figures seeking to protect their reputations and filmmakers aiming to shed light on alleged misconduct.
