HBO Max nabs Russell Simmons accuser doc ‘On The Record’

By Cortney Wills

·February 5, 2020

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HBO Max has nabbed the domestic distribution rights for On The Record, the documentary that chronicles several women who have accused Russell Simmons of sexual assault.

According to Deadline, the shocking film will only air on the streaming service HBO Max, not the linear pay cable network and it’s unclear if the doc will be released in theaters.

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Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick unveiled their highly-anticipated and equally controversial documentary On The Record at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and the crowd that gave it two standing ovations didn’t seem to mind that Oprah Winfrey pulled out of the project weeks before its debut.

The first film to dive into the numerous allegations of sexual assault against music mogul Russell Simmons lost its backing from Winfrey and its distribution deal with Apple+ on January 10 when Winfrey revealed she didn’t think it was ready. Producers persisted despite the highly-publicized fall out that threatened to call its credibility into question before anyone ever laid eyes on it.

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“The fierce determination of Drew Dixon and all of the women who bravely chose to share their stories in On The Record moved us profoundly,” Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max, said. “I’ve been impressed with Amy and Kirby’s work over the years covering this complex subject matter, and look forward to this film finding the widest possible audience.”