Oprah Winfrey has been subpoenaed in connection with a defamation lawsuit filed by Drew Dixon against hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons.
Dixon, a former music executive, alleges that Simmons raped her in 1995 and subsequently defamed her by questioning her credibility during a 2023 interview.
In the 2023 interview, Simmons denied any wrongdoing, stating, “I’ve never been forceful in any of my relationships.”
He speculated that some accusers might be motivated by a “thirst for fame.”
Simmons also referenced Winfrey’s decision to withdraw as executive producer from the 2020 documentary “On the Record,” which detailed allegations against him, suggesting that Winfrey stepped away because “the stories don’t add up.”
Winfrey had initially joined “On the Record” as an executive producer in June 2019.
However, in January 2020, she announced her departure from the project, citing creative differences and concerns about the film being rushed to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Despite her withdrawal, Winfrey stated that she still believed and supported the women featured in the documentary.
Dixon’s legal team is seeking Winfrey’s testimony and documents related to her involvement in the documentary and her interactions with Simmons.
As of now, it remains uncertain whether Winfrey has complied with the subpoena or contested it.
This development underscores the ongoing legal battles surrounding Simmons, who has faced multiple accusations of sexual misconduct since 2017.
He continues to deny all allegations and has not been arrested or charged in connection with these claims.
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