Russell Simmons Suing HBO Max for Defamation

Five years ago HBO aired the Russell Simmons documentary, "On the Record," featuring more than 20 women recounting instances of abuse at the hand of the Def Jam founder [click here if you missed that]. 

Now Russell is suing HBO for defamation of character...

From Variety

Russell Simmons is suing HBO and the filmmakers behind the “On the Record” documentary for $20 million, alleging they defamed him and ignored evidence that supported his version of events.

The documentary, by Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick, centered on sixual assault and misconduct allegations against the hip-hop mogul from numerous women. It was distributed by HBO Max in 2020.

Simmons’ lawyer, Imran Ansari, filed a summons in civil court in Manhattan on Tuesday, alleging that the filmmakers “disregard and/or suppressed” information provided by Simmons’ representatives.

“Despite voluminous support for Mr. Simmons in the form of credible information, persuasive evidence, witness statements, and calls for further investigation by notable members of the media, politics, and the civil rights movement, the defendants simply disregarded it, and released, and continue to re-release globally, a film that tremendously disparaged and damaged Mr. Simmons with salacious and defamatory accusations that he vehemently denies,” Ansari and co-counsel Carla DiMare said in a written statement.

In response, HBO parent company Warner Bros. Discovery denied the allegations.

“We dispute Mr. Simmons’ allegations, stand by the filmmakers and their process, and will vigorously defend ourselves against these unfounded allegations,” a WBD spokesperson said.

The statute of limitations for defamation actions in New York is one year from the date of first publication. To prevail, Simmons will have to show that HBO is liable for more recent “republication” in international markets.