Oprah Winfrey has been drawn into the ongoing legal battle surrounding hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, as she has been subpoenaed in connection with a defamation lawsuit filed by Drew Dixon, one of Simmons' accusers. The subpoena, issued on March 26, 2025, is part of Dixon's suit against Simmons, who is accused of making defamatory remarks during a 2023 interview.
Drew Dixon's lawsuit stems from allegations she made against Simmons, claiming he raped her in his apartment back in 1995. In a New York Times piece, Dixon detailed her traumatic experience and accused Simmons of dismissing her claims as an attempt to gain fame. During a sit-down with journalist Graham Besinger in 2024, Simmons responded to these allegations, asserting, "I have never been forceful in any of my relationships" and labeled all his encounters as "consensual." He also suggested that Dixon might be "thirsting for fame" in a market where notoriety is coveted.
The subpoena demands that Winfrey produce evidence supporting her claims regarding Simmons and testify in court regarding her involvement in the documentary "On the Record," which was intended to explore the allegations against him. According to Page Six, the legal document includes a request for "all other tangible things" that could corroborate Dixon's claims. The subpoena states, "You are hereby commanded… to produce the books, records, papers, data, documents, evidences, writings, and all other tangible things as described more fully in the attached Schedule A at [law firm] Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, 55 Hudson Yards, New York, New York 10001, or electronically to undersigned counsel, on or before March 18, 2025."
Winfrey's involvement in the documentary became contentious when she decided to step down as executive producer in January 2020. She cited "creative differences" and noted that new information had emerged that raised questions about the credibility of the allegations against Simmons. Winfrey stated during an appearance on "CBS This Morning," "I unequivocally say that I did not pull out because of Russell. This is not a victory lap for him. I cannot be silenced by a Russell Simmons after all I’ve been through."
In her departure, Winfrey expressed her belief in the women featured in the documentary but maintained that inconsistencies existed in their stories. She emphasized her commitment to getting the narrative right, saying, "I just care about getting it right, and I think there are some inconsistencies in the stories that we need to look at." This led to her stepping back from the project, which was later acquired by HBO after her exit.
The documentary "On the Record" focuses on Drew Dixon’s account of her time at Def Jam and the night in 1995 when she alleges Simmons raped her. Dixon, who was 24 at the time, had recently found success assembling the soundtrack for the documentary "The Show." The #MeToo movement inspired her to come forward, recalling how other women, like Desiree Washington, were initially not believed when they accused men of sexual assault.
In the film, Dixon recounts her harrowing experience, describing how she was invited to Simmons' apartment under the pretense of waiting for a car. Once inside, she was asked to retrieve a demo from his bedroom, where Simmons followed her in, naked and wearing a condom. She vividly described the assault, stating, "I was reduced to nothing in that moment. I was trash." This chilling account is just one of many; in total, 20 women have come forward accusing Simmons of sexual misconduct or rape.
Despite the severity of the allegations, Russell Simmons has never been arrested or charged in connection with Drew Dixon's claims. He has since relocated to Bali, Indonesia, a country that does not have an extradition treaty with the United States. This situation raises questions about accountability and the legal ramifications for individuals accused of such serious offenses.
The legal battle continues as Drew Dixon's team pushes for the necessary evidence from Winfrey to support her claims in the defamation suit against Simmons. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for all parties involved, particularly as it highlights the ongoing struggles faced by survivors of sexual assault and the complexities of seeking justice.
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear whether Winfrey has met the March 18 deadline set by the subpoena or if she has challenged it through legal channels. The public is left to speculate on the ramifications of this high-profile case and its potential impact on the broader conversation surrounding sexual assault and accountability in the entertainment industry.
