HBO acquires film accusing Russell Simmons of abuse after Oprah's exit

The documentary about several women who have accused Russell Simmons of sexual abuse, has found a distributor after Oprah Winfrey’s exit from the film left it in the lurch.

HBO Max on Monday said it acquired Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering’s film, On the Record, following its premiere last week at the Sundance Film Festival. Along with other stories, On the Record tracks the decision of music executive Drew Dixon to publicly state that her then-boss Simmons raped her at his New York home in 1995.

Simmons, the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, has denied all accusations of sexual abuse.

Dixon first went public about her accusations in 2017, alleging the mogul raped her in 1995. Two women later came forward with similar experiences.

On the Record had been set to be released by Apple TV Plus, with Winfrey as an executive producer. But in the weeks ahead of the film’s Sundance premiere, Winfrey departed the film because she said she that while she believed Dixon, she felt more reporting was needed on her story.

Winfrey has publicly defended her decision to drop out of the documentary. She admitted Simmons had previously tried to influence her decision to act as executive producer, saying, “He did reach out multiple times and attempted to pressure me.”

In a January CBS Morning News interview, Winfrey passionately argued Simmons’ pleas had not influenced her ultimate decision. “This is not a victory for Russell,” she said. “I unequivocally say that I did not pull out because of Russell. This is not a victory lap for him. I cannot be silenced by a Russell Simmons after all I’ve been through.”

Yet On the Record made a strong impression at Sundance, where standing ovations greeted Dixon and other accusers, including Sil Lai Abrams and Sheri Hines. Critics called the film a powerful documentary that brings issues of race into #MeToo discussions.

On the Record comes only a year after HBO aired Leaving Neverland. That documentary saw two men share allegations of childhood sexual abuse against the late musician Michael Jackson. The documentary sparked a cultural reckoning over the pop star’s legacy. The singer’s estate sued HBO and the documentary’s producers in an ongoing court case.

“The fierce determination of Drew Dixon and all the women who bravely chose to share their stories in On the Record moved us profoundly,” said Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max, in a statement.