L.A. Reid Reaches Settlement With Drew Dixon on Eve of Federal Trial
Music executive L.A. Reid has reached a confidential settlement with Drew Dixon, the former Arista Records A&R executive who accused him of sexual assault and retaliation, resolving the case on the day a federal jury trial was set to begin in Manhattan.
Reid’s attorney, Imran H. Ansari, confirmed the agreement in a brief statement Monday, saying the matter was “amicably resolved” without any admission of liability. Dixon’s legal team likewise announced the settlement outside the courthouse, emphasizing that the terms remain confidential.
“We are happy to report that a settlement has been reached,” said Dixon’s attorney, Kenya Davis. “Drew has been one of the most courageous and outspoken supporters of survivors of sexual abuse. Her advocacy, including her instrumental role in advancing the Adult Survivors Act, has helped shift the balance of power in the music industry and create a path to justice for survivors.”
The announcement came after several hours of discussions inside the courthouse, where Dixon, her family members, and attorneys were seen conferring ahead of the scheduled trial start. Dixon appeared visibly relieved following the announcement and issued a brief personal statement thanking her family. “I am deeply grateful to my mother and children for their enduring love and support,” she said.
Dixon, a veteran music executive whose credits include major hip-hop and R&B releases in the late 1990s and early 2000s, filed her lawsuit in November 2023 under New York’s Adult Survivors Act. The law provided a temporary window allowing adult survivors of sexual assault to pursue otherwise time-barred civil claims.
In her complaint, Dixon alleged that Reid began sexually harassing her shortly after becoming CEO of Arista Records in 2000, escalating to sexual assault. She claimed that after she rejected his advances, Reid retaliated by undermining her professional standing and interfering with her work, including attempts to sign and retain artists. Reid denied the allegations in court filings.
According to the lawsuit, Dixon said Reid initially framed his conduct as professional mentorship, asking her to accompany him to industry events and assist with personal matters. She alleged that these interactions later placed her in situations where she was alone with Reid, leading to nonconsensual sexual contact. Dixon further claimed that after she attempted to distance herself without provoking conflict, Reid became dismissive and unprofessional toward her at work.
The lawsuit built on Dixon’s earlier public allegations against music industry figures. In 2017, she accused hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons of rape in a New York Times investigation; Simmons denied those allegations. Dixon has since become a prominent advocate for survivors of sexual misconduct, speaking publicly about abuse and pushing for legislative reforms.
Reid, a powerful industry figure who previously led Arista Records and later served as a television executive and producer, consistently denied Dixon’s claims. His legal team argued that the allegations were untrue and challenged their credibility throughout the litigation.
The settlement prevents the case from going before a jury and brings an abrupt end to what would have been one of the most closely watched #MeToo-era trials in the music industry. While neither side disclosed financial or other terms, the resolution allows both parties to avoid the uncertainty of trial.
Following the settlement, Dixon signaled an intention to refocus on her creative career. “Music has always been my greatest source of comfort and joy,” she said. “While I have focused on sexual assault advocacy in recent years, I have never stopped fighting for my place in this industry. I have big ideas for future projects that will be guided by creativity and integrity.”
