L.A. Reid’s legal defense takes a major blow after the former label head lost his bid to toss out sexual assault allegations against him. Per Law 360, Reid’s request was denied in a New York courtroom on Tuesday (Aug. 13). According to court documents, Judge Valerie Caproni said that Reid failed to meet his “burden of proof,” therefore his motion was denied. L.A. Reid’s legal team motioned to strike 10 sections of New York Penal Law Article 130 (which is also referenced in the lawsuit). The alleged victim — Drew Dixon, an industry tastemaker and A&R — had worked at Arista Records.
“It is difficult to understand any prejudice caused by additional citations to other portions of Article 130,” Judge Caproni said. “Because Defendant has not met his burden, his Motion to Strike is denied.” In November 2023, Dixon submitted a filing, accusing L.A. Reid of sexually harassing her numerous times throughout her time at Arista. Court documents allege Reid “sexually harassed [her] and refused to allow her to succeed unless she acquiesced to his demand to be alone and in close proximity to her, where he would create the opportunity to sexually assault her on two separate occasions.”
“L.A. Reid Is A Know Predator,” His Alleged Victim Says
The court documents continue: “This litigation is not only about the horrific physical assaults that Ms. Dixon had to endure. But it is also about the irreparable damage done to the rare and blossoming career of an extraordinary talent.” Dixon also told the Los Angeles Times, that Reid was a “known predator,” that used his “singular professional power to force himself on his victims.”
She notes that his persistent attempts caused her to abandon the work she loves. “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.” Dixon has also accused Russell Simmons of sexual assault while working at Def Jam.