Music mogul Russell Simmons is facing yet another legal battle, this time for defamation. Former Def Jam executive Drew Dixon has filed a lawsuit against Simmons, claiming that he defamed her in a December interview where he suggested that his accusers were seeking fame.
Dixon, who has accused Simmons of sexually assaulting her in 1995, filed the lawsuit in New York Supreme Court on Monday. In the suit, she alleges that Simmons made false and defamatory statements during an interview with The Breakfast Club radio show.
During the interview, Simmons addressed the multiple sexual assault allegations against him, including Dixon’s, and stated that he believed the women were “thirsty for fame.” He also claimed that Dixon had a consensual sexual relationship with him and that she had continued to work with him after the alleged assault.
Dixon’s lawsuit refutes these claims and states that she was forced to continue working with Simmons due to her position at Def Jam and the fear of losing her job. She also states that the sexual relationship was not consensual and that she was coerced into it.
In the lawsuit, Dixon also accuses Simmons of using his social media platforms to discredit her and other accusers, causing her emotional distress and damaging her reputation. She is seeking unspecified damages for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
This is not the first time that Simmons has been accused of sexual misconduct. In 2017, multiple women came forward with allegations of sexual assault and harassment against the music mogul. As a result, Simmons stepped down from his companies and has since denied all allegations against him.
Dixon’s lawsuit comes after Simmons settled a separate lawsuit with another accuser, Jennifer Jarosik, for an undisclosed amount in 2018. He also settled a lawsuit with filmmaker Ava DuVernay, who accused him of sexual harassment, in 2019.
Simmons has not yet responded to Dixon’s lawsuit, but his attorney has stated that they will vigorously defend against the claims. Dixon’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, stated that his client is seeking justice and accountability for the harm that Simmons has caused her.
The music industry has been rocked by numerous sexual misconduct allegations in recent years, and this lawsuit serves as a reminder that the fight for justice and accountability is far from over. Dixon’s bravery in coming forward and seeking legal action against Simmons is a testament to the strength of survivors and their determination to hold their abusers accountable.
