L.A. Reid To Face Claims He Blocked Signing Of Ye And John Legend, In Sexual Assault Lawsuit

A judge has ruled that Drew Dixon can seek damages over past lost commissions in her sexual assault lawsuit against Antonio “L.A.” Reid. According to Billboard, Dixon, who worked as an A&R executive at Arista, can put forth the argument that she missed out on commissions when Reid hindered her from signing Ye (then Kanye West) and John Legend. Reid allegedly blocked the deals as retaliation after Dixon refused his sexual advances.

Dixon claimed that Reid called Ye’s audition a “waste of his time” and berated her in front of Arista employees. He also allegedly did not show up for John Legend’s audition.

The outlet reported that previously, Reid’s lawyers had hoped to limit Dixon’s claim to any damages, specifically those related to the Ye and Legend auditions, explaining that it had occurred outside the statute of limitations. Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled Dixon can keep pursuing such damages, at least for now, under New York’s Adult Survivors Act (ASA), in a decision on Thursday (Aug. 7).

Dixon has also sued Russell Simmons for defamation after he called her a “liar” after she leveled claims of sexual assault and rape against him in the past.

In her lawsuit, filed in 2022, Dixon detailed alleged inappropriate behavior and claimed Reid sexually assaulted her twice in 2001.

“L.A. Reid is a known predator who uses his singular professional power to force himself on his victims,” Dixon detailed at the time. “In my case, his persistent campaign of sexual harassment and assault forced me to abandon the work I loved when I was at the top of my game in the music business, having worked my way up from internships and a job as a receptionist.”

Reid requested the lawsuit be thrown out in 2023; however, the motion was denied. According to Billboard, the trial is set for Sept. 8, although Reid and his former counsel Shawn Holley have parted ways after Reid fell behind on legal bills and refused Holley’s calls.