Oprah Says Russell Simmons Tried To Pressure Her To Drop Documentary About Accusers

Oprah Winfrey says Russell Simmons tried to stop her from producing a documentary about sexual assault allegations against him.

“He did reach out multiple times and attempted to pressure me,” Winfrey told Fox.

Last week, Winfrey backed out of the doc called “On the Record,” which she was executive-producing. She also revealed it will no longer air on AppleTV+.

A spokesperson told Fox that her departure had nothing to do with Simmons’ attempts.

In December 2017, four women who worked with the music mogul professionally said that Simmons raped them, starting in the 1980s. Other women have accused him of sexual assault.

Simmons, 62, denies the claims.

A rep for Winfrey, 65, said her stepping down had to do with inconsistencies in the documentary’s reporting, particularly with the claim of Def Jam executive Drew Dixon.

Despite these issues, Winfrey reportedly “believes all of the women” who have accused Simmons.

The former talk-show host also allegedly felt the completion of the film didn’t need to be rushed to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. It is scheduled to debut on Jan. 25.

Simmons had expressed his anger at Winfrey’s involvement in the doc on his Instagram.

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