Attorneys representing Drew Dixon have issued a subpoena for Oprah Winfrey as part of a defamation case tied to rapeenej allegations against hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons. The subpoena demands testimony and documentation related to Winfrey’s past involvement in a documentary focused on the claims.
Dixon, a former Def Jam executive, filed the defamation suit in early 2024 after Simmons spoke publicly in 2023 to refute her accusations. She alleged he raped her in 1995, and while the criminal justice system has not brought charges, the dispute has escalated into civil litigation.
Simmons used a televised interview to defend himself, calling the allegations baseless and suggesting that fame or publicity might motivate accusers. During that same appearance, he referred to Winfrey’s decision in 2020 to withdraw from producing a documentary about the women’s claims.
Simmons claimed Winfrey walked away from the film project after discovering contradictions in the accounts of some women. He also said she had recordings that raised questions about their credibility. Winfrey, however, has previously stated she supported the accusers and parted ways with the film team over creative differences.
In the new court filing, Dixon’s attorneys want Winfrey to provide any materials that could verify or dispute the claims about inconsistencies. The subpoena requires her to bring relevant documents and answer questions under oath during a deposition.
The request includes audio, video, emails and other materials that may have influenced Winfrey’s decision to remove her name from the 2020 project On the Record. That documentary eventually moved forward without her involvement.
Dixon has expressed frustration over being undermined and previously said she felt re-victimized. In 2020, she stated she believed prominent figures were being pressured to stay silent.
The subpoena allows for Winfrey’s testimony to be videotaped and held across multiple days if needed.
