L.A. Reid Settles Sex Assault Suit on Brink of Trial

Music producer L.A. Reid has reached a settlement with Drew Dixon , a former Arista executive who accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2001. Dixon filed the suit in 2023 under a New York law that temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for sex assault. She alleged that Reid sexually assaulted twice, first during a private flight and again later in his car. Reid was president and CEO of Arista at the time. The case was scheduled to go to trial on Monday. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Popular on Variety Kenya Davis, Dixon’s attorney, applauded her in a statement announcing that the settlement had been reached. “Drew has been one of the most courageous and outspoken supporters of survivors of sexual abuse,” Davis said. “Her advocacy, including her instrumental role in advancing the Adult Survivors Act, has helped shift the balance of power in the music industry, creating a path to justice for survivors.” Reid’s attorney, Imran Ansari, stressed that the settlement does not include an admission of wrongdoing. “Mr. Reid has amicably resolved this matter with Ms. Dixon without any admission of liability,” Ansari said. Both Dixon and Reid were expected to take the stand at the trial in federal court in New York. John Legend was also expected to testify. Dixon had suggested that Reid failed to sign Legend as a means of retaliating against her for her refusal of his sexual advances. Dixon has also alleged that she was raped by Russell Simmons in 1995, joining some 20 other women who have accused Simmons of sexual misconduct. She filed a lawsuit against Simmons in 2024, alleging that he had defamed her by denying the accusations. That suit remains pending and is in the discovery phase.

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