Russell Simmons Hits HBO With $20 MILLION Lawsuit Over “Defamatory” Documentary

After years of lying low in Bali, Russell Simmons is firing back, and he’s taking it to court.

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The Hip-Hop mogul has filed a $20 million lawsuit against HBO and the filmmakers behind the 2020 documentary ‘On the Record’, which spotlighted multiple sexual assault and misconduct allegations made against him.

According to court documents filed Tuesday in Manhattan civil court by Simmons’ attorney Imran Ansari, the lawsuit claims that filmmakers Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick disregarded evidence presented by Simmons’ legal team that could have altered the portrayal of events.

The filing demands “immediate removal” of the documentary from all HBO platforms and seeks at least $20 million in damages.

Simmons’ legal team argues the documentary defamed him by ignoring favorable evidence:

“Despite voluminous support for Mr. Simmons… the defendants simply disregarded it,” said Simmons’ lawyer in a written statement. “They released—and continue to re-release—a film that tremendously disparaged and damaged Mr. Simmons with salacious and defamatory accusations that he vehemently denies.”

While Simmons has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct, the documentary intensified public scrutiny. It allegedly prompted his move to Bali, where he’s remained largely out of the spotlight until now.