Shortly after announcing her involvement in a documentary about Russell Simmons’ sexual assault accuser, TV mogul Oprah has had a change of heart and has decided to step away from the project. She says her decision is based on the fact that she doesn’t approve of the film makers’ decision to release the film at the Sundance Film Festival before it is ready.
“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+. 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 to be done on the film to illuminate the full scope of what the victims endured and it has become clear that the filmmakers and I are not aligned in that creative vision”, stated Winfrey in a statement released to the Hollywood Reporter.
She continued by saying, “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”.
Simmons has denied all allegations of sexual assault.