Russell Simmons sues HBO Max for $20M over “On the Record” documentary
Russell Simmons is taking a stand against the 2020 HBO Max documentary “On the Record” by filing a $20 million lawsuit in New York. He claims the film omitted crucial evidence that could have supported his innocence. According to Simmons, the producers failed to include testimony from over 20 witnesses who contradicted the sexual assault allegations made against him. Simmons alleges that top-level WarnerMedia executives, including CEO John Stankey, were informed of this evidence. He also asserts that civil rights leaders and members of Congress urged HBO to reconsider their decision.
The lawsuit points out Oprah Winfrey’s decision to distance herself from the project, citing her public acknowledgment of inconsistencies in the accusations. Despite leaving the US in 2018 and now residing in Bali, Simmons maintains that the filmmakers disregarded nine consecutive credible polygraph results that were in his favor. As a result, he is suing HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery, and the documentary’s producers for defamation, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy.
