Oprah Winfrey’s decision to leave a documentary about Russell Simmons is facing fresh scrutiny. She stepped away from “On the Record” before its 2020 Sundance premiere, citing concerns about the film’s reporting and creative direction. However, a new court filing suggests that questions raised about one of the accusers may also have influenced her decision.
New court filing sheds light on Oprah’s withdrawal from On the Record
According to Page Six, attorneys for Drew Dixon, a former Def Jam executive who accused Simmons of raping her in 1995, filed new court papers on Friday, October 30. The documents are part of Simmons’ ongoing lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery.
The filing includes a letter from the filmmakers to Winfrey addressing concerns raised by an unnamed friend. It suggests that Winfrey had heard claims that Dixon and Simmons were romantically involved when the alleged assault occurred. The letter also addressed suggestions that Dixon sought fame and money, which she has denied.
The filmmakers challenged those claims and defended Dixon’s account. They argued that a previous relationship would not rule out sexual assault and that questions about someone’s motives should not invalidate an allegation.
The letter asked, “How does any of the above lead one to conclude Drew wasn’t raped?”
It added, “Fame-seekers, as well as prostitutes and gold diggers, can be raped. And persons in consensual relationships can be raped.”
In January 2020, Winfrey told the filmmakers she would withdraw her support unless they pulled the documentary from Sundance. She later said she “unequivocally believes and supports the women” and that their stories “deserve to be told and heard.”
However, Winfrey maintained that the film needed more work to show “the full scope of what the victims endured.” She also explained that she and the filmmakers were “not aligned in that creative vision.”
Dixon first publicly accused Simmons of rape in 2017, an allegation he strongly denies. Twelve women have accused him of rape, attempted rape or other sexual misconduct. Simmons has denied wrongdoing and has not faced criminal charges related to those allegations.
Dixon also sued Simmons for defamation after he publicly disputed her account. She separately filed a sexual assault lawsuit against music executive L.A. Reid, which the parties settled in January 2026.
Although the newly disclosed correspondence raises questions about Winfrey’s withdrawal, it does not establish that the unnamed friend’s claims were the deciding factor behind her departure.
