5 years after the discharge of the HBO documentary On the Document, music mogul Russell Simmons has filed a $20 million lawsuit in opposition to HBO and the filmmakers behind the challenge, alleging defamation and the suppression of proof supporting his innocence.

The documentary, directed by Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick, was launched on HBO Max in 2020 and featured allegations of sexual assault and misconduct in opposition to Simmons from greater than 20 ladies. On the middle of the movie is the account of music government Drew Dixon, who accused Simmons of rape throughout her time at Def Jam.

Simmons has constantly denied all allegations in opposition to him. Within the lawsuit filed in Manhattan civil courtroom earlier this week, Simmons claims the documentary deliberately disregarded or omitted proof that countered the accusations. His attorneys, Imran Ansari and Carla DiMare, said that the movie “tremendously disparaged and broken Mr. Simmons with salacious and defamatory accusations that he vehemently denies.”

The authorized submitting additionally asserts that Simmons’ workforce offered the filmmakers with “credible data, persuasive proof, witness statements, and requires additional investigation” that weren’t included within the last model of the documentary. His authorized workforce argues that HBO and the filmmakers failed to fulfill journalistic requirements of equity and objectivity.

In response, HBO’s mum or dad firm, Warner Bros. Discovery, issued a press release disputing Simmons’ claims. “We dispute Mr. Simmons’ allegations, stand by the filmmakers and their course of, and can vigorously defend ourselves in opposition to these unfounded allegations,” the corporate stated.

On condition that the statute of limitations for defamation claims in New York is one 12 months from the date of authentic publication, Simmons’ case hinges on the idea of “republication”—the concept the movie’s continued availability and distribution in worldwide markets constitutes an ongoing act of defamation.

Ideas?