Drew Dixon Subpoenas Oprah Winfrey In Russell Simmons Defamation Case

Russell Simmons’ ongoing legal battles have taken another turn as Drew Dixon, one of his most outspoken accusers, has subpoenaed Oprah Winfrey for key evidence in her defamation lawsuit against him. Dixon, who has accused the Def Jam co-founder of sexual assault, is demanding documents and video footage related to a documentary that examined the allegations.

Simmons, once a towering figure in hip-hop, now faces a tarnished legacy. In 2017, multiple women came forward with accusations of sexual misconduct, triggering professional and personal fallout. He has denied all claims but stepped down from his business ventures as public scrutiny mounted. Among the accusations was a harrowing account from model Keri Claussen Khalighi, who alleged that Simmons assaulted her in 1991 when she was 17. She claimed film producer Brett Ratner was present and complicit. Both men denied wrongdoing.

Dixon, a former Def Jam executive, became a central figure in the wave of allegations. In a 2017 New York Times article, she accused Simmons of sexual assault during her tenure at the label. Her story later became a focal point of On the Record, a documentary detailing women’s claims against Simmons. The film premiered at Sundance in 2020, intensifying public scrutiny.

Oprah Winfrey’s involvement in On the Record added another layer of controversy. Initially an executive producer, she later distanced herself, citing concerns over inconsistencies in Dixon’s story. She withdrew her support but maintained her belief in the accusers. Simmons allegedly pressured Winfrey to discredit the documentary, leading to speculation about her decision to step away.

Now, Dixon’s legal team is pressing for transparency. The subpoena demands that Winfrey release all video evidence and documents related to the film’s production. Dixon’s lawyers argue that this material could validate her claims and counter Simmons’ attempts to undermine her credibility. The move marks a pivotal moment in her defamation case, which alleges that Simmons deliberately damaged her reputation in retaliation for speaking out.

The lawsuit is part of a broader legal strategy to hold Simmons accountable, not just for the alleged assault but for his public attacks on Dixon. Her legal team asserts that his actions inflicted lasting harm on her career and personal life. The defamation case underscores the ongoing battle between survivors of sexual misconduct and the powerful men they accuse.

Winfrey’s role in this legal fight complicates the narrative. Her withdrawal from the documentary raised doubts about Dixon’s story, yet she has repeatedly affirmed her belief in the accusers. If compelled to provide evidence, her records could either reinforce Dixon’s claims or introduce new uncertainties.

The case is emblematic of a larger reckoning within the entertainment industry, where survivors continue to seek justice in the face of institutional resistance. As legal proceedings unfold, Dixon’s fight against Simmons will test the limits of accountability in an industry that has long protected its most influential figures.