Russell Simmons is suing HBO and the filmmakers behind the “On the Report” documentary for $20 million, alleging they defamed him and ignored proof that supported his model of occasions.

The documentary, by Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick, centered on sexual assault and misconduct allegations towards the hip-hop mogul from quite a few girls. It was distributed by HBO Max in 2020.

Simmons’ lawyer, Imran Ansari, filed a summons in civil courtroom in Manhattan on Tuesday, alleging that the filmmakers “disregard and/or suppressed” info supplied by Simmons’ representatives.

“Regardless of voluminous help for Mr. Simmons within the type of credible info, persuasive proof, witness statements, and requires additional investigation by notable members of the media, politics, and the civil rights motion, the defendants merely disregarded it, and launched, and proceed to re-release globally, a movie that tremendously disparaged and broken Mr. Simmons with salacious and defamatory accusations that he vehemently denies,” Ansari and co-counsel Carla DiMare stated in a written assertion.

The statute of limitations for defamation actions in New York is one 12 months from the date of first publication. To prevail, Simmons should present that HBO is accountable for more moderen “republication” in worldwide markets.

The movie debuted on the Sundance Movie Pageant in January 2020, and was initially meant for Apple TV+ as a part of Oprah Winfrey’s take care of the streamer. Nonetheless, Winfrey withdrew from the venture, and the movie ended up at HBO Max.

In line with the submitting, Simmons’ representatives lobbied HBO leaders on the time, together with Casey Bloys and WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey, to no avail.

“Defendants have been requested to evaluation this proof and knowledge by a number of luminaries in media and politics, together with however not restricted to, civil rights leaders and members of Congress, and different high-profile black leaders; and board members inside the Defendant company(s) itself,” the submitting states.

The submitting seeks “speedy elimination” of the documentary from HBO’s platforms, in addition to at the least $20 million in damages.

Simmons has confronted a number of sexual misconduct lawsuits, together with from a few of those that appeared within the documentary. In November 2023, he reached a confidential settlement with Sil Lai Abrams, who was amongst these interviewed, for $1,265,000, in accordance with a courtroom submitting final 12 months.

In all, greater than 20 girls have accused him of sexual assault.

Ansari is a associate at Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins, the New York legislation agency at the moment representing Harvey Weinstein in his prison retrial.