Oprah Winfrey is washing her hands clean of a documentary exploring sexual misconduct allegations against Russell Simmons.
Up until now, Winfrey has served as an executive producer on the film directed by Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering. Oprah informed The Hollywood Reporter that she is stepping away from the project due to creative differences with the directors.
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“I have decided that I will no longer be executive producer on The Untitled Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering documentary and it will not air on Apple TV+,” Winfrey said. “First and foremost, I want it to be known that I unequivocally believe and support the women.”
“Their stories deserve to be told and heard. In my opinion, there is more work to be done on the film to illuminate the full scope of what the victims endured,” Oprah continued. “And it has become clear that the filmmakers and I are not aligned in that creative vision.”
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The documentary centres on a former record executive who accused Simmons of sexual misconduct. It is still scheduled to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival later this month before the now cancelled release on Apple TV+. Oprah believes the film is being rushed for Sundance and does not want a part in what she believes is an unfinished product.
“Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering are talented filmmakers,” Oprah prefaced. “I have great respect for their mission but given the filmmakers’ desire to premiere the film at the Sundance Film Festival before I believe it is complete, I feel it’s best to step aside. I will be working with Time’s Up to support the victims and those impacted by abuse and sexual harassment.”
