Oprah Winfrey has been subpoenaed in connection with Drew Dixon’s defamation lawsuit against Russell Simmons, drawing the media mogul into a legal battle over sexual assault allegations. The subpoena demands Winfrey produce documents, recordings, and other evidence related to her involvement in the documentary *On the Record*, which focused on allegations of sexual misconduct against Simmons. Dixon, a former Def Jam executive, accused Simmons of raping her in 1995, claims he has consistently denied.

Background of the Allegations

Dixon first publicly accused Simmons in 2017, alleging he assaulted her at his New York apartment. Her accusations gained renewed attention during the #MeToo movement. In February 2025, Dixon filed a defamation lawsuit against Simmons after he dismissed her claims in a 2023 interview with Graham Bensinger, suggesting she sought fame and notoriety. Simmons has repeatedly denied all allegations, asserting that his relationships were consensual.

Oprah’s Role in the Documentary

Winfrey was initially an executive producer for *On the Record*, a 2020 documentary that highlighted allegations from multiple women against Simmons. However, she withdrew from the project before its release, citing creative differences with the filmmakers. Despite stepping away, Winfrey publicly stated she believed and supported the accusers, emphasizing their stories deserved to be heard.  

Simmons claimed Winfrey left the project after discovering inconsistencies in the accusers’ stories. He alleged she possessed recordings that could corroborate these inconsistencies. However, Winfrey maintained her decision was based on creative disagreements rather than external pressure from Simmons.

Legal Implications

Dixon’s legal team has subpoenaed Winfrey to provide evidence they believe could support Dixon’s claims against Simmons. The subpoena requires Winfrey to produce all relevant documents and testify under oath about her involvement with *On the Record*. This includes any communications or recordings related to Simmons’ alleged misconduct or his business dealings.  

Failure to comply with the subpoena could result in contempt of court charges. It remains unclear whether Winfrey has contested the subpoena or complied with its demands by the March 18 deadline.

Broader ContextDixon is one of several women who have accused Simmons of sexual misconduct over decades. While no criminal charges have been filed against him, these allegations have significantly impacted his public image. Winfrey’s involvement adds another layer of complexity to the case, as her previous statements and actions are now under scrutiny.

This case underscores the ongoing fallout from sexual misconduct allegations in the entertainment industry and raises questions about accountability and advocacy for survivors

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