Russell Simmons sexual misconduct documentary is now available on HBO Max after its Oprah Winfrey and Apple rejection

Vox

On the Record features former Def Jam executive Drew Dixon, who is joined by a "chorus of black women" who accuse Simmons of sexual misconduct and sexual assault. "Many of On the Record’s allegations previously appeared in a 2017 New York Times article, and the reasons for Winfrey’s sudden withdrawal from the project remain confusing, months later," says Alissa Wilkinson. "Once Winfrey stepped away, that meant the film would no longer be released on Apple TV+ as part of her programming slate. The film was forced to seek out a new distributor, which it found in HBO. But no matter this strange turn of events, On the Record is absolutely damning of Simmons, who continues to insist he did not commit the crimes he’s accused of. Directed by Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick, the film is at its best when exploring the reasons that women in America, and particularly black women, often hesitate to accuse a powerful black man of a crime like sexual assault." ALSO: On the Record explores how the #MeToo movement left women of color behind.