Oprah says Russell Simmons 'attempted to pressure' her out of producing sex assault documentary

HBO Max has acquired U.S. rights to Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering’s documentary On the Record. The film presents the stories of several women who have accused producer Russell Simmons of sexual assault, including music executive Drew Dixon.

Following a thunderstorm of Oprah Winfrey-related controversy and a successful Sundance Film Festival premiere, “On the Record” has secured domestic distribution at HBO Max.

By Anthony D'Alessandro

“On The Record,” a harrowing documentary about the burden of women of color in the #MeToo movement, has been upstaged for nearly a month by the departure of former executive producer Oprah Winfrey.

“On the Record,” a devastating look at many of the women who came forward to accuse music mogul Russell Simmons of rape and harassment, premiered to not one, but two thunderous standing ovations at the Sundance Film Festival on Saturday. The warm reception came as the film has become engulfed in a media firestorm, one sparked by Oprah Winfrey’s decision to remove herself from the project as executive producer.

By Anthony D'Alessandro

Alexia Norton Jones, one of the alleged victims of Russell Simmons who appears in “On the Record,” a new documentary about sexual misconduct from the music mogul, couldn’t believe what she was seeing.

If you know anything about Ming Lee Simmons and Aoki Lee Simmons, you know that they do not play any games when it comes to their family. The two daughters of Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee are absolutely not here for Oprah Winfrey these days—following her previous involvement in a documentary about their dad.

Earlier this week, Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King made their support clear for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step down from the royal family.

Oprah Winfrey insists her exit from an upcoming documentary detailing the sex assault allegations against Russell Simmons should not be considered a “victory lap” for the disgraced music mogul.

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) – Oprah Winfrey explained her decision to step away from “On the Record,” an expose about sexual harassment in the music industry, including women who have accused mogul Russell Simmons of misconduct. The documentary, from filmmakers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, will premiere at Sundance on Jan. 25.

Earlier this month it was revealed that Oprah Winfrey had stepped down as a producer on the documentary that features women that have accused Russell Simmons of sexual harassment. Now Oprah is opening up more about her decision and reiterates her decision had nothing to do with being pressured.

By Patrick Hipes

Oprah Winfrey said Friday that Russell Simmons attempted to pressure her about her involvement with a documentary in which several women detail sexual abuse allegations against the rap mogul, but his efforts were not what prompted her to leave the project.

By Bruce Haring

Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons launched an “intense campaign” to pressure Oprah Winfrey to withdraw her support from a forthcoming film about women accusing him of misconduct, including rape, a new report says.