Latest news with #Simmons'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Warner Bros Discovery Hits Back At Russell Simmons' 'Unfounded Allegations' In Ex-Mogul's $20M Suit Over 2020 Sexual Assault Documentary
UPDATE: A lot of time has passed since Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering's documentary expose of Russell Simmons and allegations of sexual assault by the famed music executive aired on HBO Max, over five years. Today, with court filings certain to follow, it didn't take Warner Bros Discovery that long at all to respond to Simmons' $20 million defamation suit against On the Record – and give no quarter. More from Deadline Channel 4 Says It Doesn't Use NDAs, But Documents Reveal Company Is Curbing Free Speech Of Aggrieved Ex-Employees Sean "Diddy" Combs' Faces New Accuser "Jane" Wednesday; Trial Dominated Today By $100K Payment For "Only Copy" Of 2016 L.A. Hotel Footage Of Cassie Ventura Beating Jury In Harvey Weinstein Rape Retrial Set To Start Deliberations Wednesday - Update 'We dispute Mr. Simmons' allegations, stand by the filmmakers and their process, and will vigorously defend ourselves against these unfounded allegations, a WBD spokesperson told Deadline this morning, as a new round of layoffs hit the company's cable TV units. Maybe the Bali-residing Simmons will even show up in court to press his own case vigorously against that vigorous defense. PREVIOUSLY, 10:59 AM: With Oprah Winfrey very publicly exiting as a producer, Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering's documentary On the Record, about the women who accused hip hop impresario Russell Simmons of rape and more, was controversial even before its debut at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Now, years later, Simmons is claiming again he had proof the allegations cited in OTR were false or at least questionable in their truth. Living in Bali of late, the much-accused Def Jam co-founder is going after HBO, parent company Warner Bros Discovery and the filmmakers for $20 million in a defamation action filed today in NYC – and he's naming names, past and present. 'The Defendants willfully, intentionally, negligently, and/or recklessly, disregarded and/or suppressed evidence and information, including interviews, and over twenty witnesses, that were supportive and favorable to Plaintiff, and/or refuted and rebutted the accusations falsely made against Plaintiff in the film,' exclaims the complaint placed in the Supreme Court of the state of New York docket late Tuesday by attorneys Imran Ansari and Carla DiMare. The duo not only want a hunk of cash for their much-accused client, but they also want the Drew Dixon (a former Def Jam exec), Sheri Sher, Sil Lai Abrams, Jenny Lumet, and Kelly Cutrone featuring On the Record, which HBO Max picked up in February 2020, essentially scrubbed from 'all platforms, networks and media outlets in the Defendants' control' so to never be seen again. Naming those names, Simmons' complaint adds: 'The evidence and information were made available to Defendants, including then CEO of WarnerMedia John Stankey, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, Casey Bloys, and the company's board members, by the Plaintiff, and/or others on his behalf, however, the Defendants disregarded and/or suppressed said materials.' 'Defendants further disregarded nine consecutive credible and favorable CIA-grade polygraph results, and/or information favorable to Plaintiff that was provided to them or would have been discovered with due diligence, and adherence to accepted journalistic standards, and that Defendants willfully, and/or recklessly, disregarded and suppressed said information and evidence, and published, and continue to republish defamatory content,' it goes on to state. HBO and WBD's scarce communications boss (and ex-Obama press secretary) Robert Gibbs had no response when reached out to by Deadline over Simmons' new swipe at the docu. While repetitive of what was in their actual filing, the same cannot be said of Simmons lawyers. 'Despite voluminous support for Mr. Simmons in the form of credible information, persuasive evidence, witness statements, and calls for further investigation by notable members of the media, politics, and the civil rights movement, the defendants simply disregarded it, and released, and continue to re-release globally, a film that tremendously disparaged and damaged Mr. Simmons with salacious and defamatory accusations that he vehemently denies,' Ansari and DiMare told Deadline this AM of the Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning Dick and Ziering. In the overlapping nature of #MeToo lawsuits, it is worth noting that Ansari is a partner and chief of the civil litigation practice of Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins – a firm founded by longtime Harvey Weinstein lawyer Arthur Aidala, who literally is in court for his ex-producer client's NYC rape retrial as it goes to the jury today. That trial is taking place not far from where Sean 'Diddy' Combs, a clear protégé of Simmons on may levels, is on trial in federal court on charges of sex-trafficking and more. Corporately, On the Record was supposed to screen on AppleTV+ under the streamer's deal with Winfrey, but when the talk show queen pulled out of the film over concerns about 'some inconsistencies in the stories,' that avenue became a dead-end. After a strong reception at the Robert Redford founded Sundance, just as Covid-19 was hitting the world, the film was bought by HBO and aired on what was then called HBO Max on May 27, 2020. While Simmons has denied the allegations against him from a variety of women, it seems he has not been so prompt to pay up sums he agreed to. A trio of women who reached settlements with Simmons said in filings earlier this year that he still owes them around $8 million. To be specific, after reaching deals in 2023 and paying up initially, Simmons still owes Alexia Jones $190,000 with 20% annual interest, journalist Toni Sallie $2,940,000 with 20% annual interest, and $4,950,000 to singer Tina Klein-Baker. Living in Bali, Indonesia since 2018, around the time the allegations against him began to peak, and having founded an upmarket retreat. Simmons is out of the reach of U.S. justice. There is no extradition treaty between the world's fourth most populous nation and America. Best of Deadline 'Nine Perfect Strangers' Season 2 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out? 'Stick' Release Guide: When Do New Episodes Come Out? List Of Hollywood & Media Layoffs From Paramount To Warner Bros Discovery To CNN & More
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
EXCLUSIVE: Richard Simmons' Longtime Home Is Put on the Market for $7 Million—1 Year After He Died Inside Historic Property
Late fitness guru Richard Simmons' longtime Los Angeles home has been put on the market for $7 million—one year after the reclusive Hollywood figure passed away inside the historic dwelling. Simmons, who shot to fame in the 1970s after launching a career as a fitness expert and weight loss guru, passed away at the age of 76 in July 2024, days after he celebrated his birthday. At the time, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that they had responded to a 911 call made by Simmons' housekeeper from his Hollywood Hills home, where they arrived to find the fitness guru had passed away. He was later determined to have died from natural causes. One month after his death, the family issued a statement, revealing that the L.A. Coroner's office revealed that Simmons had died from 'complications from recent falls,' adding that 'heart disease was a contributing factor.' 'The toxicology report was negative other than medication Richard had been prescribed,' the statement continued. 'The Family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss.' Simmons' death quickly became the source of fervent speculation online—much of which pointed to the fact that the fitness expert had become increasingly reclusive in the 10 years leading up to his passing. Despite his once-prominent Hollywood profile, from 2014, Simmons was seen outside of his home on just a handful of occasions, although he maintained a close connection with his fans via regular Facebook updates in which he would offer glimpses into his life—while also sharing inspirational messages with his followers. The reason behind his disappearance became the source of intense media scrutiny, with a TMZ documentary entitled 'What Really Happened to Richard Simmons' claiming that his decision to step away from public life was the result of a longtime ailment that he had suffered with since birth. 'Something that happened to him at birth is directly connected to his disappearance — a birth defect that significantly affected one of his legs,' TMZ editor Fabian Garcia claimed in the documentary, according to the New York Post. 'He was born without a full set of bones in his foot and it causes physical and emotional problems.' In 2024, before his death, Simmons addressed the speculation about his disappearance in a social media post, urging his fans to pay no attention to the rumors. 'Don't believe everything you read. I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful,' he wrote. Still, Simmons' family faced continued scrutiny in the wake of his death, particularly after it was revealed that they had become embroiled in a bitter legal battle with the fitness guru's longtime housekeeper, Teresa Reveles. Two months after her boss's death, Reveles filed a petition with a Los Angeles court in which she claimed that she had been pressured into giving up her role as a co-trustee of his estate, accusing Simmons' brother, Lenny, and his wife, Cathy, of carrying out a 'nefarious scheme' to remove her from all future decisions about his finances. Lenny and his family quickly hit back at the claims, insisting that their only desire was 'protecting and maintaining' Simmons' legacy—while accusing Reveles of 'greed.' '[Richard] would be heartbroken to learn of Teresa's greed and insulted that she would diminish their three decades of supposed friendship in such a public way,' family spokesperson Tom Estey told People in a statement. 'Her actions threaten to harm Richard's incredible legacy, which we are working hard to preserve.' Lenny added in his own statement: 'First, I am solely interested in protecting and maintaining my brother's legacy. It was never my intention to play this out in public, but due to circumstances beyond my control, I have been forced to do so. 'Second, we have filed papers with the court that address and refute what Teresa has claimed. They also provide a brief summary of the reasons I declined Teresa's request to serve as co-trustee and my concerns about why she is proceeding with this litigation.' Lenny also accused Reveles of 'refusing to vacate' his brother's home—stating in court papers that she remained in the dwelling for 76 after his death and alleging that, when she did finally leave the property, she took $1 million worth of jewelry and 'other valuable pieces of fine art' with her. 'Although Teresa has her own home, she had a room in Richard's house that she refused to vacate after his death. When she finally did leave, 76 days later, she took almost $1 million of Richard's jewelry and other valuable pieces of fine art, which she has refused to return,' the court papers read, according to NewsNation. 'And, as discussed below, she participated in the effort to misappropriate the Trust's intellectual property. 'Teresa's counsel has not informed the Trustee whether Teresa intends to keep this property or return it. If she decides to try to keep it, the Trustee will have no choice but to file a petition to recover it, which is a clear reason she should not be Co-Trustee. 'The Trustee and his counsel need to appraise any property to be sold and may need to sell it to pay the taxes. Teresa should not be permitted to interfere with this process absent serious, legitimate concerns about the administration of the estate that do not exist here.' Now, Simmons' family appears ready to move on from the legal drama that ensued after his death—and are parting ways with the expansive dwelling, which he called home for several decades. According to property records, Simmons purchased the home in the 1980s and it is understood to have served as his main residence up until the time of his death. However, the dwelling, which was built in 1937, was transferred to a trust of which Lenny is the trustee, after the exercise guru's passed away The online listing calls attention to the property's illustrious history, describing it as the 'Richard Simmons Estate,' however the images reveal that almost every trace of its former owner has been cleared out—with just a few unique murals left in memory of its famous prior resident. Despite its impressive heritage, the listing also concedes that the property may well be viewed by prospective buyers as a tear down, stating that it presents 'a one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a landmark home or construct a new masterpiece.' New York City Luxury Market Booms With the Most Signings in a Single Week Since 2021 This City Struck Gold—by Paying Workers To Move There How To Add $15,000 Value to Your Home—by Spending Only $1,500
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Russell Simmons Sues HBO for $20 Million Over ‘On the Record' Documentary
Russell Simmons is suing HBO and the filmmakers behind the 'On the Record' documentary for $20 million, alleging they defamed him and ignored evidence that supported his version of events. The documentary, by Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick, centered on sexual assault and misconduct allegations against the hip-hop mogul from numerous women. It was distributed by HBO Max in 2020. More from Variety Elijah Wood, Moses Ingram, Lauren Holt, Josh Brener Join Rachel Sennott's HBO Comedy Series 'Mountainhead' Stars Ramy Youssef and Cory Michael Smith Unpack Their Twisted Tech Bromance and Comparisons to Musk, Zuckerberg and 'Succession' Everything We Know About HBO's 'Harry Potter' Series Simmons' lawyer, Imran Ansari, filed a summons in civil court in Manhattan on Tuesday, alleging that the filmmakers 'disregard and/or suppressed' information provided by Simmons' representatives. 'Despite voluminous support for Mr. Simmons in the form of credible information, persuasive evidence, witness statements, and calls for further investigation by notable members of the media, politics, and the civil rights movement, the defendants simply disregarded it, and released, and continue to re-release globally, a film that tremendously disparaged and damaged Mr. Simmons with salacious and defamatory accusations that he vehemently denies,' Ansari and co-counsel Carla DiMare said in a written statement. The statute of limitations for defamation actions in New York is one year from the date of first publication. To prevail, Simmons will have to show that HBO is liable for more recent 'republication' in international markets. The film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2020, and was initially intended for Apple TV+ as part of Oprah Winfrey's deal with the streamer. However, Winfrey withdrew from the project, and the film ended up at HBO Max. According to the filing, Simmons' representatives lobbied HBO leaders at the time, including Casey Bloys and WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey, to no avail. 'Defendants were requested to review this evidence and information by multiple luminaries in media and politics, including but not limited to, civil rights leaders and members of Congress, and other high-profile black leaders; and board members within the Defendant corporation(s) itself,' the filing states. The filing seeks 'immediate removal' of the documentary from HBO's platforms, as well as at least $20 million in damages. Simmons has faced several sexual misconduct lawsuits, including from some of those who appeared in the documentary. In November 2023, he reached a confidential settlement with Sil Lai Abrams, who was among those interviewed, for $1,265,000, according to a court filing last year. In all, more than 20 women have accused him of sexual assault. Ansari is a partner at Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins, the New York law firm currently representing Harvey Weinstein in his criminal retrial. Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill Simmons Proposes Wild Trade That Sends Two Celtics Stars Packing To Escape Second Apron Penalty
Bill Simmons has never been one to shy away from bold takes, but his latest trade proposal on The Bill Simmons Podcast might be one of his most radical ideas yet. With the Boston Celtics staring down a historic $500 million payroll and the looming second apron tax penalties, Simmons floated a trade scenario that would shake up two franchises and send two All-Star guards packing. Proposed Trade Details: Boston Celtics Receive: Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, 2025 No. 10 Pick Houston Rockets Receive: Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday The Celtics are coming off a disappointing playoff exit, made worse by Jayson Tatum's devastating Achilles injury, which could keep him out for the entire 2025-26 season. Advertisement With their championship window in jeopardy and a potentially record-setting tax bill looming, Boston faces a franchise-defining crossroads. Simmons' trade idea reflects the difficult reality that the Celtics front office is now grappling with. As constructed, the Celtics have already committed $227.8 million in player salaries for next season, according to Spotrac. That's $73 million above the salary cap, $32 million beyond the first apron, and roughly $20 million past the second apron. Factor in repeat offender tax penalties, and you're looking at an eye-watering $500 million team cost. And that's with Tatum unlikely to play. Simmons' logic is blunt but compelling: If the Celtics are not title contenders next season due to Tatum's injury, why pay a historically high tax bill? Trading Brown and Holiday would instantly cut salary, inject youth, and provide future assets. Advertisement From Houston's side, the deal would signal a shift to full-on contention. The Rockets already have a treasure trove of young talent and cap flexibility. By acquiring Jaylen Brown, who just earned Finals MVP in 2024, and Jrue Holiday, a two-time champion and elite defender, Houston would leap from a playoff squad to a genuine title threat in the West. Pairing Brown with Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green or potentially flipping Holiday in another deal gives them a veteran backbone without gutting their future entirely. Meanwhile, Boston would receive Fred VanVleet, a championship point guard on a more manageable contract; Jabari Smith Jr., a 21-year-old stretch big with upside; Tari Eason, a tough-nosed defender; and the No. 10 pick in the draft to keep their prospect pipeline flowing. VanVleet replaces Holiday's leadership, while Smith and Eason add youth and length to the Celtics' frontcourt. Crucially, it would also drag Boston below the second apron, allowing Brad Stevens to make other trades this summer without being handcuffed by the NBA's new collective bargaining restrictions. Advertisement Of course, this move would mean punting on 2025-26 and possibly ending the Tatum-Brown era. But Simmons' vision is clear: the Celtics regroup financially, retool around Tatum for 2026-27, and stay flexible for the long run. It's aggressive. It's risky. But with a $500 million bill looming and a superstar sidelined, Bill Simmons might be onto something. Related: Warriors Might Acquire Derrick White If Celtics Initiate Fire Sale
News.com.au
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Inside Gene Simmons' $21m Beverly Hills mansion
Gene Simmons is offloading his $US14 million ($A21.9 million) Beverly Hills mansion — but he's got some strict rules for prospective buyers. The Kiss bassist, 75, purchased the four-bedroom property in 2021 for $US10.5 million so he and his wife, Shannon Tweed Simmons, could have a residence in California after relocating to Las Vegas. According to Realtor, the couple struggled with the scorching heat in Nevada and ultimately decided to put their Vegas property back on the market in favour of returning to Beverly Hills and setting up permanent residence inside their ultra-modern house. Simmons and his wife recently snapped up a beach house in Malibu, which they now plan to make their full-time home, leaving them with little use for their Beverly Hills mansion. The home is already facing a limited pool of prospective buyers. However, that hasn't stopped Simmons from narrowing down potential parties even more — namely by excluding anyone he believes will soil the happy memories he and his family have made inside its walls. 'You have such wonderful times there, you don't want some schmuck in the place you call home,' the rock legend told the Wall Street Journal. 'No drugs, no alcoholics. I don't want anybody coming in there who is going to destroy the place.' Provided a buyer is able to make it through Simmons' strict selection process, they will have quite the opulent pad on their hands. The pricey property comes with a '40-foot glass-like infinity pool, dramatic drought-tolerant landscaping, and bold bronze geometric sculptures that offer a distinct artistic statement,' according to a press release shared with Realtor. Simmons' property is made of 'glass, steel, oak wood and concrete elements,' which emphasise the sweeping views of the mountains, valleys, and ocean. In a statement, Simmons revealed that the views were what drew him to the property in the first place. 'My favourite part of the house is waking up in the morning in the upper bedroom, having coffee in bed, and on a clear day being able to see all the way out to the ocean,' he shared. 'And my other favourite time is sunset in the upper bedroom or downstairs barbecuing something outdoors. The views really are spectacular.' The five-bathroom property boasts a gallery space, and a home theatre. Staggering fortune Harry, Meghan lost exposed Additionally, Simmons' pad 'utilizes solar-power for pool and radiant heated flooring, eco-materials and fire-resistant, waterproof triple-panel windows.' 'This home is a rare example of Swiss architectural mastery, built with exceptional quality, thoughtful details, and a focus on longevity,' Young added. 'From the Swiss steel framework and sleek fixtures to the fibre cement exterior panels that can go more than 50 years without maintenance, everything was designed to last. 'The 40-foot glasslike infinity pool is a real showstopper, surrounded by lush, drought-tolerant landscaping, and the bold bronze geometric sculptures add a cool, artistic vibe to the outdoor space. 'It's the kind of property that's extremely rare and truly special — made even more iconic by having been home to a rock legend.' Despite its concrete structure, Simmons told the Journal the property is still 'homey and outdoorsy.' Upon entering the home, guests are greeted with an expansive living area filled with cozy couches and a wood-panelled wall. The living room and chef's kitchen are separated by half of a wall, which comes with a mini fire pit. Moving to the outdoor space, there is a large fire pit surrounded by gray couches. The other side of the patio features another seating area and a grill. Simmons previously sold his Nevada property for $US11 million. He now calls a $US5.8 million Malibu home his primary residence. He and Shannon purchased the three-bedroom, four-bathroom home, which was initially supposed to be an investment pad, in 2021.
