Russell Simmons Sues HBO: Defamation Claim Over On the Record
- Russell Simmons is taking legal action, claiming the 2020 documentary On the Record defamed him.
- Simmons filed a summons with notice in New York Supreme Court on Tuesday, June 3, alleging that HBO, HBO Max, Dick, Ziering, and their company, Jane Do Films,...
- The legal filing also highlights the challenges the filmmakers faced in releasing the film.
Russell Simmons is suing HBO,claiming teh documentary “On the Record” defamed him,alleging the filmmakers suppressed favorable evidence. He’s seeking $20 million in damages over the film that explores sexual misconduct allegations against the hip-hop mogul. The lawsuit, filed in New York Supreme Court, accuses HBO, filmmakers Kirby Dick and Amy ziering, and thier company, Jane Doe Films, of acting “willfully, intentionally, negligently, and/or recklessly.” The case highlights the challenges of the film’s release, with Oprah Winfrey initially attached before withdrawing. Simmons’ attorneys claim the defendants disregarded credible information. News Directory 3 will continue tracking developments as Warner Bros.Revelation, HBO’s parent company, vows to defend itself. Discover what’s next as the legal battle unfolds.
Russell Simmons Sues ‘On the Record’ for Defamation, Seeks $20M
Updated June 5, 2025
Russell Simmons is taking legal action, claiming the 2020 documentary On the Record defamed him. The film, by Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, explores allegations of sexual misconduct against the hip-hop mogul and was released on HBO Max.
Simmons filed a summons with notice in New York Supreme Court on Tuesday, June 3, alleging that HBO, HBO Max, Dick, Ziering, and their company, Jane Do Films, “willfully, intentionally, negligently, and/or recklessly” suppressed evidence favorable to Simmons. He seeks $20 million in damages, with a full lawsuit expected.
The legal filing also highlights the challenges the filmmakers faced in releasing the film. Oprah Winfrey initially signed on as executive producer but withdrew before its Sundance premiere.Winfrey stated she felt “more work” was needed to fully illuminate the victims’ experiences and that she and the filmmakers had differing “creative vision[s].” Her departure also led to the film’s removal from Apple TV+.
simmons’ attorneys, Imran H. Ansari and Carla DiMare,stated that the defendants disregarded “credible information,persuasive evidence,witness statements” supporting Simmons,releasing a film with “salacious and defamatory accusations.”
warner Bros. Discovery,HBO and HBO Max’s parent company,responded,”We dispute mr. Simmons’ allegations, stand by the filmmakers and their process, and will vigorously defend ourselves against these unfounded allegations.”
On the Record‘s release followed years of sexual abuse and harassment allegations against Simmons. While he has largely denied the accusations, he did win one lawsuit due to the statute of limitations. In 2024, Simmons faced further lawsuits alleging sexual assault and defamation.
What’s next
The case is expected to proceed in New york Supreme Court. Further legal filings and arguments are anticipated as both sides prepare their cases.