Russell Simmons sues HBO for $20 million over bombshell documentary alleging sexual misconduct

Hip hop mogul Russell Simmons says filmmakers of a documentary detailing sexual misconduct allegations against him 'suppressed evidence' that refuted the accusers claims, according to a new $20 million defamation lawsuit filed against HBO and the film's creators.
Simmons says that the 2020 film 'On the Record,' a documentary about women accusing the Def Jam records co-founder of sexual misconduct, 'willfully' ignored evidence 'including interviews, and over 20 witnesses' that were favorable to Simmons.
HBO is accused of discarding CIA-level polygraph results.
John Roca
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The evidence, which would have 'refuted and rebutted the accusations falsely made against Plaintiff in the film,' was presented to the filmmakers, plus top HBO and parent company Warner Bros. executives, but they ignored the materials, claims the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Manhattan Supreme Court.
That evidence includes 'nine consecutive credible and favorable CIA-grade polygraph results' that HBO 'disregarded,' according to the lawsuit.
It notes that the film's backers were 'requested' to review the alleged exculpatory evidence by unnamed 'luminaries in media and politics, including but not limited to, civil rights leaders and members of Congress, and other high-profile black leaders.'
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Simmons cites how former executive producer of the film, Oprah Winfrey, left the project 'after publicly noting inconsistencies in the accusations,' and claims that news outlets — including The Post — 'declined to publish defamatory content.'
But Winfrey told reporters at the time that Simmons had pressured her to abandon the project, and that she still believed the woman at the center of the film, Drew Dixon.

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Business Insider

42 minutes ago

• Business Insider

11 historic mansions from HBO's 'The Gilded Age' that you can visit in real life

HBO's "The Gilded Age" films scenes in real historic mansions from the time period. Several mansions once owned by the Vanderbilt family in Newport, Rhode Island, appear in the show. Gilded Age mansions in Tarrytown and Sands Point, New York, also serve as film sets for the series. If you weren't an heiress, coal magnate, or railroad tycoon, you probably wouldn't have made the guest list at Gilded Age parties. Those gatherings were reserved for the wealthiest, most powerful members of society at the turn of the 20th century. However, visitors of all economic brackets can visit many of the historic opulent estates that serve as film sets for HBO's show " The Gilded Age." The show shoots at real mansions from the time period, many of which are now museums, to create authentic portrayals of the characters' exorbitant wealth. Season three of "The Gilded Age" premieres June 22 on HBO. Here are 11 Gilded Age mansions where the show filmed that offer tours of their magnificent properties. Rosecliff, a 30-room mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, was modeled after King Louis XIV's Grand Trianon palace in Versailles. Theresa "Tessie" Fair Oelrichs, whose family's silver fortune earned her the nickname "Bonanza Heiress," built Rosecliff in 1902 as her summer home. Admission to tours of the 28,800-square-foot property can be purchased through the Preservation Society of Newport County. Fans of "The Gilded Age" will recognize the ceiling of Rosecliff's ballroom from the show's opening credits. Rosecliff features the largest private ballroom in Newport, measuring 40 feet by 80 feet. Scenes from "The Great Gatsby," "27 Dresses," and "Amistad" have also been filmed there. One of the grandest Gilded Age mansions in Newport, the Breakers spans 138,300 square feet and belonged to one of the era's wealthiest families. Cornelius Vanderbilt II, heir to his grandfather's railroad fortune, built the Breakers as a summer home in 1895. The name "Breakers" comes from the sound of waves breaking against the shores of the Newport property. The Preservation Society of Newport County manages the mansion as a museum. Tours can be booked online. Several rooms in the Breakers were used as film sets for "The Gilded Age," including the music room and the billiard room. The billiard room features a wrought-iron and bronze lighting fixture so heavy that it had to be attached to the structural beams of the home. In a scene in "The Gilded Age," George Russell played a game of billiards in the room after a dinner party. The music room also served as a film set for "The Gilded Age," appearing as the Russells' ballroom where they hosted Gladys' debut ball at the end of season one. Marble House in Newport was a 39th birthday present from William K. Vanderbilt to his then-wife, Alva, in 1892. Marble House is named for the 500,000 cubic feet of marble featured throughout the home. When Alva Vanderbilt divorced her husband in 1895, she maintained ownership of Marble House and custody of their three children. She then married one of her neighbors, Oliver H.P. Belmont, in 1896, and became Alva Belmont. After his death, she leveraged her fortune to fund causes in the women's suffrage movement and hosted suffrage conventions at Marble House. The Preservation Society of Newport County operates tours of the property. In "The Gilded Age," scenes in George Russell's bedroom are filmed in the room that belonged to Alva and William's daughter, Consuelo Vanderbilt. ​​Chateau-sur-Mer in Newport was originally built by merchant William Shepard Wetmore in 1852, then remodeled by his son in the 1870s. George Wetmore, who inherited the Italianate-style villa when his father died in 1862, served as the governor of Rhode Island and as a US senator representing the state. Tours of the home are available through the Preservation Society of Newport County. Rooms at ​​Chateau-sur-Mer that appear in "The Gilded Age" include the stair hall and the dining room. Chateau-sur-Mer appears in the show as the home of Mamie Fish, who hosted a doll tea party in the first season. The stair hall is painted with the biblical Tree of Life, and the dining room walls are decorated with wallpaper made of Spanish leather covered in silver. Gilded Age coal magnate Edward Julius Berwind and his wife, Sarah Herminie Berwind, built The Elms in Newport in 1901. The Elms was modeled after the 18th-century French château, Château d'Asnières, and furnished with custom Louis XV-style furniture. The mansion sits on a 10-acre estate, where the Berwinds used to host lavish parties. The Preservation Society of Newport County operates tours of the lavish home. The show films in Sarah Herminie Berwind's bedroom and the mansion's main kitchen. Sarah Herminie Berwind's bedroom appears as Gladys Russell's room in "The Gilded Age," and the main kitchen serves as the Russell family's kitchen where servants gossip and prepare meals. Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown, New York, was owned by three prominent Gilded Age families: the Pauldings, the Merritts, and the Goulds. Former New York City Mayor William Paulding and his wife, real-estate heiress Maria Rhinelander Paulding, built the mansion in 1842. Merchant George Merritt bought Lyndhurst Mansion in 1864 and built an addition onto the home, doubling its square footage to 14,000 square feet. Railroad tycoon Jay Gould then purchased it in 1880. In the world of "The Gilded Age," the mansion is home to the characters of Charles and Aurora Fane. "The Gilded Age" has filmed scenes in Lyndhurst Mansion's parlor, dining room, and art gallery. The show also uses the mansion's carriage house as the offices of The New York Globe newspaper and its 67-acre grounds as a stand-in for Central Park. The Hempstead House at Sands Point Preserve on Long Island was built in 1912 by financier Howard Gould. Howard Gould, son of the aforementioned Jay Gould, only lived at Hempstead House for a few years before selling it to Daniel and Florence Guggenheim in 1917. Daniel was the brother of Solomon Guggenheim, for whom the Manhattan museum is named, and Benjamin Guggenheim, who died on the Titanic. Hempstead House is located within Sands Point Preserve, which is open to the public and contains three mansions that can be toured. Tickets for a guided tour of Hempstead House can be purchased at the park's welcome center. You may recognize this room as George Russell's office. George Russell conducted many of his business dealings in this room at Hempstead House, now the home's library. "The Gilded Age" isn't the only project to have filmed here. You may also have seen Hempstead House in "Malcolm X," the 1998 adaptation of "Great Expectations," or "Scent of a Woman." Hunter House was originally built in 1748. Hunter House actually dates back to the colonial times, generations before the Gilded Age began. It even played a role in the Revolutionary War as the headquarters for the French fleet, per The Preservation Society of Newport County. Keeping Hunter House in good shape led to the creation of the Preservation Society in 1945, per the Society's website. There are guided tours held daily (excluding Sundays and Mondays) from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. On the show, one of the sitting rooms is used as lawyer Tom Raikes' office. In the show, Raikes' office is in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. It's one of the first non-New York City locations we see on the show. Belcourt was built in 1894 for the socialite Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont in Rhode Island. This 50,000-square-feet, 60-room summer home was modeled after King Louis XIII's hunting lodge at Versailles. The property was known for its extensive stables and carriage space, which makes sense: You may recognize his last name from the Belmont Stakes, the annual horse race in Elmont, New York, that was named for his father, August Belmont Sr. Belcourt is open for both guided tours during the day and candlelight walks and ghost tours in the evenings. The property doubles as the summer home of the Astors on "The Gilded Age." In a memorable moment in season one, Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) ends up sneaking around Belcourt (Beechwood, in the show) to avoid a run-in with Mrs. Astor. Westbrook, home of New York attorney and real-estate developer William Bayard Cutting, is located in Oakdale, New York. Westbrook was built in 1886 in the Tudor Revival style. Inside, there are 60 rooms (and 20 fireplaces). Westbrook's main draw, though, is its gardens. The house is now located inside the Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park, which is home to 691 acres of plants, trails, and more. There are separate guided tours of the arboretum and Westbrook available seasonally. There's also the Hidden Oak Café, which is located inside Westbrook and offers the option to take "Victorian Tea," complete sandwiches, scones, and tea. It was used during season one of the show. The Cuttings were part of the famed "Four Hundred" list, which was published by The New York Times in the 1890s. It named the 400 most socially acceptable people living in New York City. So, even though only their house has popped up on the show, the real Cutting family could too. The Glenview Mansion was built in the 1870s in Yonkers, a city in Westchester County, New York. It was built for the financier John Bond Trevor, who was partners with James Boorman Colgate (yes, of those Colgates). After the Trevors sold the home to the city of Yonkers, it became part of the Hudson River Museum, which is still open today. The interior of Glenview was used as the interior of Mrs. Astor's home.

Buzz Feed

2 hours ago

• Buzz Feed

35 Alternatives To Pricey Fashion Items In Your Cart

Buttery soft high-waisted leggings, which are deceivingly identical to Lululemon's Align leggings — and reviewers are calling it out! The only difference? These give you all the buttery soft material and comfiness for a mere fraction of the name-brand price. 👀 Slingback heels because they blend comfort and elegance in the most gorgeous way. Their timeless style might just make these one of your most-used pairs — they'll take you from your daily office routine to casual lunch dates to evening drinks. Many reviewers agree that these also give *major* Chanel vibes. Or some breathable pointed-toe flats ready to keep your feet cushioned and decked out in style. They look and feel as high-quality as Rothy's or Vivaia, without having to spend the extra $70–$100. The stretchy knit upper is comfy and trendy-looking (office days just got a whole lot better!) and you can toss 'em in the wash before they even have the *chance* to get stinky. An oh-so-elegant ribbed button-up tank, which is giving the side eye to the similar Abercrombie & Fitch style that's double the price. 👀 You know what that means? You don't have to limit yourself to just one color. And a cherry bag charm so you can stay on-trend without having to shell out $95 for the Coach charm. This'll add a cute lil' pop of color to any plain bag. Plus, you can get one for every single bag you own without breaking the bank. A flirty corset lace-up sundress with a cute slit and a bustier design that's sure to fit you like a glove. It gives major Bridgerton vibes, but the price tag makes it easier than ever to show up looking like the diamond of the season. And it looks extremely similar to the House of CB version (which goes for over $200 👀). A ribbed workout jumpsuit that reviewers claim looks and feels like Skims-level quality, but asks for way less money out of your wallet than Ms. Kim K. It's compressive but breathable, with four-way stretch so you can pull off all your squats with ease (plus it's thick enough that it won't show your undies). And a long-sleeve bodysuit because it's basically saying "Look at me! Look at me!" before you pull the trigger on that Skims bodysuit. The "Smoke Cloud" fabric is buttery smooth and *not* sheer, and the sweetheart neckline will add a little extra charm to your ensemble even if it's being paired with your fave faded jeans. A faux-leather bag that you'll be dying to show off at your next office day. Just let your work nemesis assume it's Polène's Cyme. And send them an unnecessarily long email while you're at it. Some Nortiv 8 walking shoes because they're designed with pillowy comfort and bold color combos that let them disguise themselves as Hokas. Guess this means you get to splurge a little bit more on your *non*-workout 'fits. A Lululemon-inspired tennis skirt with built-in shorts and a secret inner pocket for your phone so you can hold your iced coffee in one hand and gesticulate with your other as you tell your bestie the latest tea in your love life while on your hot girl walk. Also, no need to worry about a strong breeze. A pair of pilot shield sunglasses that'll make you do a double-take because they're verrrry similar to the $699 Bottega Veneta pair you've been stalking online. Seriously, the attention to detail on these will leave you *spooked*. Or a pair of retro-style oval sunglasses — even the snobbiest of sunglasses connoisseurs would *swear* these are the $400+ Miu Miu ones. And who are you to correct anyone that comes to that conclusion? Or!! A pair of oversize square sunnies to throw on for an instant style boost, no matter what you're wearing. The polarized lenses offer UV 400 protection, so not only will you look amazing, but your eyes will also be shielded from those harsh rays. Plus, reviewers say they look just like the $425 square sunglasses from Bottega Veneta! A beautiful tennis bracelet, because a small, twinkly accessory can add an upscale factor to any outfit. And just look at that Swarovski-like sparkle it gives off (no one would ever know that it's actually cubic zirconia). Or, go all out with a set of golden bracelets so you bling your wrist out without wearing your wallet out. Like this reviewer says, "Cartier who?!" A beaded shoulder bag — alright, I'm gonna have to see some ID because there's no way this isn't the $295 one from Staud. Hey, better to get a little splurgey at Anthro with this little beauty and *not* have to completely wipe out your ~treat yourself~ budget. An elevated laptop tote bag so clean-cut and beautiful it might just empower you to strut through that office like the baddie you are (even though you're dreading sorting through those Monday-morning emails). This stylish piece offers spacious compartments for all your essentials (laptop, makeup bag, books, and more) and keeps them organized and within reach. Reviewers even compare this to (and favor it over) the Béis Work Tote that sells for $148! A spandex-blend slip maxi dress that'll have you looking absolutely chic *and* staying comfy at the same time. Reviewers *love* how the material is just as soft as the trendy Skims version... and some even say it's better! A fanny pack people say is veryyy similar to Lululemon's belt bag, which is over double the price! Use it to keep your phone, wallet, headphones, (and maybe even a protein bar to snack on) close to you and easily accessible. Perfect for travel or everyday use! The strap is long enough to wear crossbody or around your waist, which keeps your arms and hands completely free. Plus, it'll surprise you with just how roomy it is. A pair of sandals that many reviewers say are a wonderful alternative to Birkenstocks (there are 1,000+ reviews comparing them). Their cork footbed quickly adjusts to the contour of your foot *and* they're designed with soft lining and adjustable straps. The comfort of a tennis shoe combined with the effortlessness of a sandal? Yes, please. A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers because they have a tapered design and a stretchy waistband that'll probably make them one of the most reached-for pieces in your closet. And let's not forget the side pockets! Plus, reviewers have not failed to notice how remarkably similar they are to Lulu's Align joggers. 👀 And a soft, stretchy longline sports bra drawing comparisons to a tank from the same collection, so you could achieve the whole Lulu Align ~look~ for a whole lot less. It's designed with a classic V-neckline, sweat-wicking fabric, and goes with, well, anything! You can also pair it with your fave biker shorts or leggings so you can go straight from your errand-packed morning to your afternoon yoga class. Platform slippers in case you've added the similar Ugg Tazz pair to your cart about a million times but haven't been able to checkout just yet. Once you slip your feet into the faux-fur shoes, you'll find you'll be wearing them so often, they'll basically be an extension of you (yup, even in the heat of summer). A pair of stylish teardrop earrings, which simply ooze Bottega Veneta vibes. Accessorize any 'fit with these beauties for an instant ~chic factor.~ Plus! Reviewers say they're so lightweight and comfortable, some even forgot they had them on. And a highly rated pair of hoop earrings reviewers compare to Jennifer Fisher hoops that go for up to hundreds of dollars and say they don't hurt your ears! Whether you're going to lunch with jeans and a plain tee or to an upscale dinner with a dress, these will be the *perfect* touch to tie your whole fit together. A puff-sleeve dress you can wear on *or* off the shoulder, giving us the versatility we need in our lives. It features darling lil' flowers and has been said by one reviewer to be super similar to the popular Nap Dress! BRB, gonna go get it in every color. A pair of gorgeous, super versatile heeled slip-ons if you want all the *slip on, slip off* ease, but in a classic open-toe design — plus they could pass for the version by It brand Dolce Vita. These babies have a thick heel for stability as well as soft, thick braided straps to keep your feet in place. (Because having them slide all over the place can be so annoying!) A plated ring because reaching for that cup of iced coffee will never feel more bougie than this. And since this one doesn't cost thousands of dollars (chill out, Cartier 😭), you live to see another day of affording that $10 coffee. A faux-pearl choker that Vivienne Westwood herself might have to linger on a moment or two to ensure this isn't actually her Mini Bas Relief pearl choker. This'll tie all those sunny brunch ensembles with a pretty bow! And a pair of Buff Bunny–inspired booty-highlighting biker shorts for anyone who would love to add 48 fun colors and prints to their workout wardrobe without spending $48 on each. That booty (and that wallet) are about to be lookin' thicccc. A pair of absolutely *stunning* sparkly stilettos because it'll make you the belle of the ball. They'll easily become the centerpiece of your outfit, and reviewers rave about how surprisingly comfy they are! This reviewer even compares them to the Christian Louboutin So Kate heels. 👀 A glitzy long-sleeve sequin dress in case you admired the 16Arlington dress Hailey Bieber wore, which goes for $765 (*chokes on my Cup O' Noodles*). This under-$100 version is just begging to make an appearance at your next date night and drop. some. jaws. A pair of elevated, effortlessly chic wide-leg petal sweatpants — if you put these in the same room as the ones from Anthropologie and Free People, it'd be looking like that one Spider-Man meme. Reviewers love how cozy and breathable these are, and that the style is perfect for indoor lounging *and* outdoor errands. A half-zip pullover sweatshirt that serves as the ideal layering piece to take on and off for those airport days. It's light enough to make it easy to travel with but warm enough to keep you from getting cold. It'll also run you far less than Lulu's $118 scuba hoodies.

USA Today

3 hours ago

• USA Today

Connections hints, clues and answers on Sunday, June 22 2025

WARNING: THERE ARE CONNECTIONS SPOILERS AHEAD! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT THE JUNE 22, 2025 NYT CONNECTIONS ANSWER SPOILED FOR YOU. Ready? OK! Have you been playing Connections, the super fun word game from the New York Times that has people sharing those multi-colored squares on social media like they did with Wordle? It's pretty fun and sometimes very challenging, so we're here to help you out with some clues and the answer for the four categories that you need to know: 1. Think TV. 2. Go back to 1776. 3. "BREAKING." 4. Think direction, sort of. The answers are below this photo: 1. HBO shows 2. Nouns from a famous line in the Declaration of Independence 3. News announcement 4. What "left" might mean Play more word games Looking for more word games?