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HBO, Warner Bros. Face $20M Lawsuit from Russell Simmons Over Assault Allegations Film

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — A source close to Simmons at the time said neither HBO nor filmmakers Amy and Kirby Dick sought his input or statement before releasing the film.

Published

1 year ago

June 4, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

Hip Hop pioneer and business mogul Russell Simmons has filed a $20 million lawsuit in New York against HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery, and the producers of the 2020 documentary On the Record, alleging defamation, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy. The lawsuit claims the film deliberately omitted key evidence, including testimony from more than 20 individuals who Simmons says contradicted the sexual assault allegations featured in the movie. Simmons, who currently resides in Bali, argues that high-level executives at WarnerMedia, including CEO John Stankey, were made aware of exculpatory evidence but allowed the documentary to proceed without it. He also alleges that several civil rights leaders and members of Congress urged HBO to reconsider airing the film. The lawsuit notes Oprah Winfrey’s public departure from the project, stating that she withdrew after expressing concerns about inconsistencies in the accusations.

The documentary, which premiered on HBO Max and debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, profiles women who accused Simmons of sexual misconduct, including Drew Dixon, Sheri Hines, Sil Lai Abrams, Alexia Norton Jones, and Jenny Lumet. Simmons has denied allegations and said he has never been violent toward anyone. Speaking with Black Press USA in 2020, Simmons said he had taken and passed nine lie detector tests administered by the president of the California Polygraph Association. A source close to Simmons at the time said neither HBO nor filmmakers Amy and Kirby Dick sought his input or statement before releasing the film. In an interview with CBS This Morning, Oprah Winfrey later explained her departure from the project, stating, “Houston, I think we have a problem here,” referring to new information she had received. Sources close to Simmons indicated he believed Winfrey’s decision stemmed from recognizing the potential backlash, comparing it to the Tawana Brawley case from the 1980s.

Among the statements submitted in support of Simmons were accounts from individuals challenging the credibility of some accusers. A former intern who worked with Drew Dixon wrote a letter to Winfrey questioning Dixon’s claims and providing her observations. Music industry figure Jayson Jackson, who once dated Dixon, said she was willing to do anything to gain fame, while model Kara Young said Dixon had attempted to share unrelated abuse claims on Tyra Banks’ talk show. Allegations from Sheri Hines were also challenged based on factual discrepancies. Hines claimed Simmons raped her in 1983 after they met at the Hotel Diplomat, which had reportedly closed several years earlier. Rapper Kurtis Blow, who Hines said was present during her time with Simmons, denied elements of her account, including limousine travel and Simmons’ ability to offer record deals at that time. Former Def Jam president Carmen Ashurst submitted an affidavit stating that Sil Lai Abrams had confided in her about consensual sex with Simmons and frustration about being used by men. Kenneth Lee, Simmons’ former driver, also provided an affidavit denying that he ever transported anyone against their will, countering Abrams’ claims. Alexia Norton Jones has publicly stated Simmons raped her during their first and only date, but multiple individuals familiar with the two told Black Press USA their relationship lasted about five months. Kenneth Jennings, a driver for Simmons, submitted an affidavit supporting that claim.

Jenny Lumet’s allegations were also addressed in the lawsuit. Though Lumet claimed Simmons directed a driver to take her to his home, where he assaulted her, she acknowledged that Simmons did not use physical force and that they remained in social contact afterward. Simmons said he felt compassion for Lumet, believing she was convinced of her account. Actress Rae Dawn Chong, a former girlfriend, told the Black Press she thought the situation offered a chance for all involved to learn and heal, adding that Simmons has always been someone willing to listen. Actress Rebecca Gayheart also voiced support for Simmons, telling Black Press USA, “I absolutely believe and love Russell. He’s a great human being.”

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Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park

ATLANTA VOICE — A mural depicting late journalist Jovita Moore, painted on the exterior wall of a building now occupied by Bellwood Coffee in Grant Park, was painted over in April. Moore passed away in 2021 after decades of working in Atlanta television news. Bellwood Coffee owners stated in May they were unaware of Moore’s identity or significance to the community before painting over the mural.
The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

At the corner of Boulevard, SE. and Rosalia St., SE., directly across the street from an abandoned home and a Methodist Church, is Bellwood Coffee. One of hundreds of coffee shops in Atlanta, this place of business would not be worth a solitary discussion if not for the way its exterior walls are currently painted. There was once a mural depicting the late Jovita Moore, a beloved journalist who worked in Atlanta for decades. Moore, who passed away in 2021, mentored many of the people you see on television newscasts today. Though her legacy will never be forgotten, it was the mural of her image that was erased.

In April, members of the Grant Park community voiced their disgust at the mural, which graced a side wall of the building now occupied by Bellwood Coffee’s Grant Park location, before it was painted over. In its place are the words “Bellwood Coffee; Cocktails, Biscuits, Dry Goods, Air Conditioning. *Heat Too”. In May, the business owners responded to the community pushback on social media by acknowledging they did not know who Moore was before painting over her image. And later admitted that they did not attempt to find out what she meant to the community.

On May 21, the Bellwood Coffee Instagram account had a post about being “in close contact with Jovita’s family and are actively working on next steps in this process.” Two months later, the mural has not been replaced, repainted, or repositioned on the property. Nothing has been done. Black history is often erased, most recently by the current Presidential administration, but oftentimes on a smaller, quieter scale. The mural was originally painted by muralist Tommy Bronx, who had been in contact with the business owners about repainting it. As of July 6, Tommy Bronx had responded to a direct message via his Instagram account from The Atlanta Voice about any updates on his plans to repaint the mural.

“We’re currently working on it. You should see some movement in the weeks to come,” he wrote in a response.

On Monday, July 6, the business had several patrons inside and was running smoothly with three employees manning the counter. The Atlanta Voice dropped by Bellwood Coffee to get a look at the exterior wall where the mural once stood as a memorial to a journalist and mother who lost her life to brain cancer at the young age of 54. Moore’s image added some color to the block. The grey wall in its place does not.

A direct message was sent to the Bellwood Coffee Instagram account, and there hasn’t been a response as of 7 p.m. on Monday.

The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

Based on reporting by Atlanta Voice.

The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator

ATLANTA DAILY WORLD — A New York man faces felony hate crime charges for allegedly posting a threat against New York State Senator Lea Webb. James A. Crosby, 49, of Binghamton, was arrested by New York State Police after investigators determined he posted a threatening comment on a social media news post about a Juneteenth celebration.
The post ‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

A New York man is facing felony hate crime charges after allegedly posting that he’d be “proud to hang” New York State Senator Lea Webb from a tree in response to a news story about a Juneteenth celebration.

James A. Crosby, 49, of Binghamton, was arrested June 23 by New York State Police after investigators determined he posted a threatening comment on a WBNG 12 News Facebook post. “I’d be proud to hang her from a tree,” Crosby wrote, according to WBNG.

Crosby was charged with making a terroristic threat as a hate crime, a class C felony, per the New York State Police. He is currently being held at Broome County Jail.

During the subsequent investigation, state police found Crosby was in illegal possession of firearms despite being prohibited from owning them due to a prior felony conviction. Investigators recovered a rifle, a large-capacity ammunition feeding device, and a firearm suppressor — all prohibited under New York state law, per the NYSP.

Crosby was charged with four additional counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, all class D felonies.

Webb, who represents New York’s 52nd Senate District, had been a featured speaker at a Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony at Binghamton City Hall, where the celebration included prayers and the singing of the Black national anthem.

Police said Crosby’s comment was posted in response to a WBNG news story covering the event.

The day before his arrest, Crosby posted a Facebook apology claiming the comment “was not intended to be racial in any way” and was made in reference to what he described as a “criminal,” citing criticism of Webb over her use of nonprofit legal aid in a foreclosure case — a matter state watchdogs said created an appearance of a conflict of interest, per the Ithaca Voice. He was arrested the following day.

Webb issued a public statement June 25 condemning the threat.

“It was extremely disappointing and hurtful to see the now-deleted threat and attacks on my life in response to a story about Juneteenth, a national holiday that recognizes the ending of slavery in America,” she said. “Feedback and thoughts on policy are one thing, but to make a public call for lethal violence is absolutely unacceptable and dangerous. We must recognize our shared humanity and reject violence in all forms.”

She thanked Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and law enforcement for their “swift response.”

Following Crosby’s comments, social media users called for a boycott of his contracting business, Crosby Home Improvements.

The Binghamton City Democratic Committee also called for an investigation into the incident before his arrest.

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The post ‘Proud to hang her from a tree’: Man arrested for threatening Black Senator appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

Based on reporting by Atlanta Daily World.

The post ‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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CARICOM: Strengthen Integration for Future Generations

NEW YORK CARIB NEWS — Outgoing CARICOM Chairman Terrance Drew called on regional leaders to build a stronger and more effective Caribbean Community that benefits future generations. Speaking at the 51st Regular Meeting, Drew urged modernization of governance structures and improved implementation of Community decisions to make CARICOM safer and more prosperous.
The post CARICOM: Strengthen Integration for Future Generations appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

Speaking Sunday at the opening of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Saint Lucia, Dr. Terrance Drew said the region must modernize its governance structures, improve the implementation of Community decisions, and ensure CARICOM becomes safer, more prosperous, and more relevant to the lives of its citizens.

The meeting, being held under the theme “CARICOM: From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World,” coincides with the Community’s 53rd anniversary. During the ceremony, Dr. Drew formally handed over the rotating CARICOM chairmanship to Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre.

Reflecting on his six-month tenure as chairman, Drew praised fellow regional leaders for maintaining their commitment to democracy, good governance, unity, and the rule of law despite mounting global economic and geopolitical challenges.

“Throughout these challenges, CARICOM chose engagement over isolation. Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to a fair and rules-based international trading system and ensured that the interests of small developing states continued to be heard.”
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He highlighted progress made in strengthening the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, including deeper trade cooperation, expanded labour mobility, and efforts to lay the foundation for long-term economic growth. Drew also noted the Community’s growing partnerships beyond the Caribbean, particularly with the African Union, while stressing that every international partnership should advance the interests of all parties involved.

The outgoing chairman also expressed appreciation to Dr. Carla Barnett and the CARICOM Secretariat for their professionalism and unwavering support during his tenure.

“Whenever I called, you answered. Whenever support was required, you and your team responded with diligence, competence, and excellence.”

Dr. Drew urged the Secretariat to continue preserving its impartiality while faithfully implementing decisions made by Heads of Government, saying that balance has helped strengthen the regional integration movement.

The conference continues in Saint Lucia with regional leaders expected to deliberate on key issues including regional security, climate resilience, trade, economic integration, food security, Haiti, reparations, and strengthening the CSME.

Based on reporting by New York Carib News.

The post CARICOM: Strengthen Integration for Future Generations appeared first on BlackPressUSA.