Grammy-winning music executive L.A. Reid has been sued by a former employee who claims that he sexually assaulted her and then derailed her career.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Wednesday by Drew Dixon, who worked for Reid during his time as chief executive of Arista Records where she alleges Reid sexually assaulted her twice in 2001.

She then left Arista a year later and believes that her rise in the music business was cut short by Reid’s intervention.

“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,” the lawsuit statement read.

Dixon sued under the New York state’s Adult Survivor’s Act, which passed last year.

The act allows victims of sexual abuse a one-year window to sue even if a statute of limitations has passed. The deadline to file a lawsuit is November 24. 

Reid left his position as CEO of Epic Records in 2017 after a female assistant accused him of sexual harassment. 

“I’m proud of my track record promoting, supporting, and uplifting women at every company I’ve ever run. That notwithstanding, if I have ever said anything capable of being misinterpreted, I apologize unreservedly,” Reid said in response to the 2017 allegations. 

As a record executive, Reid is best known for influencing the careers of Pink, Usher and Mariah Carey.

Leave a comment

Subscribe to the uInterview newsletter

Read more about: