Russell Simmons is once again speaking out against HBO, claiming the network owes him $100 million and a public apology.
In a series of posts shared to Threads this week, Simmons addressed his ongoing legal battle with HBO and said he believes he is owed “hundreds of millions of dollars.”
Simmons filed a lawsuit against the network connected to the 2020 documentary On the Record, which centered on sexual assault allegations made against the Def Jam cofounder.
“HBO you owe me 100s of millions of dollars,” Simmons wrote. Simmons says he wants the money to support his charities, family members, and his children, while accusing the network of acting maliciously and suppressing evidence. Simmons also called for an apology and urged others to review what he claims is proof included in his lawsuit, referencing public figures such as Oprah Winfrey.
HBO Max announced its acquisition of On the Record in March 2020 following the film’s premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. At the time, filmmakers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering praised the platform for amplifying the voices of women featured in the documentary.
In response to Simmons’ legal action, a spokesperson for HBO’s parent company has previously denied the claims, stating the company stands by the filmmakers and intends to vigorously defend against the unfounded allegations.