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A new documentary about sexual assault in the music industry was due to be released soon on Apple TV+. But Oprah Winfrey and Apple have dropped out of the project.
Oprah Winfrey has announced that she is withdrawing from a new documentary for Apple TV+, which is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival later this month. Winfrey was previously an executive producer on the documentary, which examines sexual assault in the music industry. In her statement, she also noted that the title will not appear on Apple TV+ as planned once it is released. Her statement was published by The Hollywood Reporter, and reads:
I have decided that I will no longer be an executive producer on The Untitled Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering documentary and that the film 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. I feel that more work needs 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 do not align on this creative vision.
Despite disagreements, a respectful exit
At the same time, despite the disagreements, Winfrey expressed her deep respect for the filmmakers and emphasized that she will take care of the women affected. She plans to do this with the help of "Time's Up," an organization that fights against workplace harassment. Winfrey wrote in her statement:
Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering are talented filmmakers. I have great respect for their mission, but given the filmmakers' desire to have the film premiere at the Sundance Film Festival before I believe it is ready, I feel it is best to step down. I will work with Time's Up to support victims and those affected by abuse and sexual harassment.
Although Apple has not officially announced the film's original subject, some details were gleaned from the film's description at Sundance. The title is said to focus on Drew Dixon, a former employee at Def Jam Recordings who has made serious allegations of sexual misconduct against the label's co-founder, Russell Simmons.
Time's Up Foundation speaks out
After Oprah's statement was published, Time's Up Foundation President and CEO Tina Tchen also spoke out. The press release states:
TIME'S UP fully supports the survivors who have spoken out about Russell Simmons. These women are brave. We believe them. We support Oprah Winfrey, who asserts that victims' stories deserve to be heard on their own terms. Too often, Black women are silenced, disbelieved, or even vilified when they speak out. Add to that the fact that these women have been under attack for years by the powerful forces surrounding Russell Simmons - an example of how difficult it is to speak out against powerful men. And how important it is for powerful men to be held accountable for their actions. As Oprah made clear in her statement, a decision by her and Apple regarding this documentary does not change the underlying facts. We pledge TIME'S UP's unwavering support for these survivors. We are in awe of their courage and strength. We will continue to fight for them, and we will continue to fight for a future where Black women are truly heard and believed. (Photo by Starfrenzy / Bigstockphoto)
