Opra Winfrey Dragged Into Hip Hop Icon’s Rape Case

Television legend Oprah Winfrey has been subpoenaed in the ongoing defamation case between music mogul Russell Simmons and his accuser, Drew Dixon.

The 71-year-old billionaire must now provide documents and recordings requested by Dixon’s legal team at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP.

Dixon, a former DefJam executive, is suing Simmons over statements made during his 2023 interview with journalist Graham Besinger.

In that interview, Simmons suggested Dixon sought “notoriety” by accusing him of rape, claiming all his relationships were “consensual.”

The subpoena commands Winfrey to produce “books, records, papers, data, documents, evidences, writings, and all other tangible things.”

Dixon’s attorneys set a March 18 deadline for Winfrey to comply with their demands.

The legal document also orders Winfrey to “appear and attend before a notary public” for a deposition that “may be videotaped.”

This legal drama stems from Dixon’s 2017 New York Times interview where she accused Simmons of raping her in his apartment in 1995.

The subpoena focuses partly on Simmons’ claims about why Winfrey withdrew from producing the documentary “On The Record” in 2020.

Simmons alleged Winfrey found “inconsistencies” in accusers’ stories and possessed recordings that revealed these discrepancies.

THE DOCUMENTARY CONTROVERSY

“On The Record” centered on Dixon’s allegations and her decision to come forward during the #MeToo movement.

Winfrey stated on CBS This Morning that her withdrawal wasn’t “a victory for Russell” but stemmed from professional differences with collaborators.

The talk show host explained she wanted “the context of the story to be broadened” with more women included.

HBO acquired the documentary after it was dropped by Winfrey and Apple TV+.

The film details Dixon’s account of being assaulted after Simmons invited her to his apartment under the pretense of listening to a demo CD.

Dixon claims he followed her into his bedroom, where she found him naked wearing a condom before he allegedly raped her.

According to the documentary, some 20 women have accused Simmons of sexual assault or rape.

It’s unknown whether Winfrey complied with the subpoena or if her legal team challenged the demands.

Winfrey’s spokespeople and Dixon’s attorneys have yet to reply to demands for comment.

The case demonstrates the intricate relationship between claims of sexual assault, celebrities, and the media’s involvement in these disputes.

Simmons has never been arrested or charged with any crime connected to these accusations, and he has denied any wrongdoing.

According to reports, the founder of DefJam moved to Bali, Indonesia, which does not have an extradition treaty with the US.

If the deposition goes forward, it might provide fresh insight into Winfrey’s choice to leave the documentary.