LA Reid Settles Sexual Assault Case with Drew Dixon Before Trial
- Drew Dixon, the music executive whose hitmaking credits include chart-toppers such as Method Man and Mary J.
- Reid has amicably resolved this matter with Ms.dixon without any admission of liability."
- "We are happy to report that a settlement has been reached, the terms of which are confidential," dixon's lawyer, Kenya Davis, said outside court Monday afternoon.
Drew Dixon, the music executive whose hitmaking credits include chart-toppers such as Method Man and Mary J. blige’s classic “I’ll Be There for You (You’re All I Need),” settled her sexual assault lawsuit against ex-Arista Records head L.A. Reid on the day their Manhattan federal court trial was scheduled too begin.
Reid’s attorney, Imran H. Ansari, said in an email: “Mr. Reid has amicably resolved this matter with Ms.dixon without any admission of liability.”
“We are happy to report that a settlement has been reached, the terms of which are confidential,” dixon’s lawyer, Kenya Davis, said outside court Monday afternoon.
“Drew has been one of the most courageous and outspoken supporters of survivors of sexual abuse,” Davis added. “Her advocacy, including her instrumental role in advancing the adult Survivors Act, has helped shift the balance of power in the music industry, creating a path to justice for survivors.”
Davis’ comment came shortly after she, Dixon, several members of Dixon’s family, and other attorneys left the courthouse. While the trial was slated to start this morning, the group could be seen conferring in the courthouse cafeteria for several hours.
Dixon smiled when they announced the settlement. “I am deeply grateful to my mother and children for their enduring love and support,” Dixon said following Davis’ announcement.
Dixon, who worked as vice president of A&R at arista Records, sued Reid in November 2023 claiming that he started harassing her almost immediately after he became CEO in 2000. This sexual harassment, Dixon alleges, was swiftly followed by sexual assault. Dixon insists in court papers that she rejected Reid’s unwanted overtures and accuses him of trying to derail her career in response. He even thwarted her attempts to sign and keep artists, including John Legend, her suit alleges.
Reid has denied Dixon’s claims in court papers. Dixon alleged that disgraced hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons of rape in a 2017 New York Times article an