Oprah Winfrey’s Russell Simmons Exit Revisited In Court Letter

Oprah Winfrey’s split from the Russell Simmons documentary “On The Record” drew fresh scrutiny after a filmmaker’s letter surfaced in the music mogul’s court fight with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Page Six reported that lawyers for Drew Dixon, the former Def Jam executive who accused Simmons of rape, submitted the letter as an exhibit on October 30.

Its account suggested an unnamed friend’s claims about Dixon may have influenced Winfrey. The filmmakers disputed claims about Dixon’s motives and an alleged romance, writing, “And persons in consensual relationships can be raped.”

Dixon denied a romantic relationship. Simmons denied raping her.

Dixon separately sued Simmons for defamation over his suggestion that her rape allegation was a lie. The letter became public through the case Simmons brought against the documentary’s distributor.

Winfrey withdrew as executive producer before the film’s Sundance premiere in 2020. At the time, she said she “unequivocally believes and supports the women.”

She also said she and the filmmakers did not share a creative vision for telling the women’s stories. Winfrey wanted more reporting and context before the documentary moved ahead. She discussed her withdrawal on “CBS This Morning” in January 2020.

The dispute had also returned to public view in June.

Simmons posted on Threads, hinting at more legal action. No new lawsuit accompanied those comments.

Simmons had already taken his objections to court. In June 2025, he filed a claim in Manhattan Supreme Court against HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery, executive John Stankey and filmmakers Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick. The original filing sought $20 million.

His complaint accused the filmmakers of presenting a one-sided account that harmed his reputation and business.

He contended that interviews, polygraph results and statements favorable to him had been left out. He alleged deceptive business practices and emotional distress, seeking removal of the documentary along with legal fees.

Attorney Imran Ansari argued that continued distribution amounted to republication, making the film’s ongoing availability central to Simmons’ case.

Simmons maintained his denial.

“I am horrified at the false allegations made against me in the Complaint,” he stated. “I do not know and I have never heard of Plaintiff. Her allegation that I committed sexual battery and threatened to rape her son is absurd, shameful, and untrue. I have never had non-consensual sex with Plaintiff or anyone else,” Russell Simmons said.