Russell Simmons Takes Legal Action Against HBO Max Over ‘On the Record’
Russell Simmons is coming in hot, claiming that HBO Max completely ignored loads of proof that shot down the sexual assault allegations against him while making their documentary. Now he’s firing back with a $20 million lawsuit against the streaming giant.
According to newly filed court documents in New York, Simmons is alleging that the 2020 film On the Record “disregarded or suppressed” over 20 witnesses who backed up his side of the story. These witnesses allegedly countered claims made by multiple women accusing the music mogul of sexual misconduct.
Simmons says this evidence wasn’t buried or hard to find—it was accessible and available to WarnerMedia’s top brass, including CEO John Stankey. The lawsuit states that even civil rights leaders and members of Congress urged HBO to dig deeper and examine the supporting material that he claims proves his innocence. While the suit doesn’t name these leaders directly, it highlights that the pleas were allegedly ignored.
And then there’s Oprah.
Yup, Simmons is also bringing Oprah Winfrey into the mix. The Def Jam co-founder says Oprah was initially attached to On the Record as an executive producer, but backed out after, according to him, noticing “inconsistencies in the accusations.” Her exit made headlines at the time, and Simmons is using that moment to reinforce his claims that the documentary lacked balance.
Simmons Says ‘CIA-Grade’ Polygraphs Were Ignored
Simmons isn’t just pointing fingers—he’s presenting receipts, too. In the suit, he claims that the filmmakers and HBO “disregarded nine consecutive credible and favorable CIA-grade polygraph” test results that leaned in his favor.
He’s not saying these polygraphs should’ve replaced the word of his accusers—but Simmons feels like it’s a violation that they weren’t mentioned or considered at all. The way he sees it, leaving out that kind of evidence painted him in a biased, one-sided light that hurt both his name and career
This lawsuit also outlines the emotional toll the film has allegedly taken on him—saying he suffered defamation, emotional distress, and a major invasion of privacy. Simmons, who left the U.S. in 2018 following the initial wave of allegations, now resides in Bali, Indonesia, where he owns a luxury yoga retreat.
He sold off his final U.S. property in 2021, and since then has mostly kept a low profile. But this lawsuit? It’s loud and clear.
Why Simmons Is Suing—and Who He’s Coming For
The lawsuit is aimed at HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery, and the producers of On the Record. Simmons is seeking a minimum of $20 million, though the impact he says the documentary has had on his name could suggest a bigger blow than any payout could cover.
This move marks one of the boldest public actions Simmons has taken since the allegations first surfaced. Despite multiple accusers, Simmons has long denied the claims and maintained that the media, and now HBO Max, have intentionally silenced the other side of the story.