Oprah Winfrey Subpoenaed in Russell Simmons Defamation Suit

Oprah Winfrey has been drawn into the high-profile rape case involving hip-hop icon Russell Simmons, according to a subpoena reported by Page Six. Drew Dixon, one of the women alleging rape by Simmons, has included Winfrey in her defamation lawsuit against the rapper.

The subpoena, issued by Dixon’s attorneys, demands that Winfrey produce documents, recordings, and other tangible evidence by March 18, 2025, and appear for a deposition that may be videotaped.

The legal action follows Simmons’ 2023 interview in which he claimed that Winfrey had abandoned her role as executive producer on a documentary about his alleged misconduct after finding inconsistencies in the accounts of Dixon and other alleged victims.

Simmons had alleged that Winfrey possessed recordings of interviews with witnesses that revealed contradictions in the stories against him. Oprah Winfrey, who stepped away from the documentary project in January 2020, previously stated that her decision was based on professional differences rather than on any vindication of Simmons.

Dixon’s defamation suit was launched after Simmons described her rape claims during an interview with Graham Besinger, accusing her of seeking fame and notoriety. Simmons maintained that all his relationships were consensual and dismissed the allegations against him.

It remains unclear whether Winfrey has complied with the subpoena or if her legal team plans to challenge the demands. Meanwhile, Simmons, who now resides in Bali, Indonesia—a country without an extradition treaty with the United States—continues to face accusations from a total of 20 women who allege rape or sexual assault.