L.A. Reid sexual assault trial set to begin, John Legend expected to testify

Music industry executive L.A. Reid is set to go on trial next week in New York, facing allegations that he sexually assaulted former record executive Drew Dixon while they worked together at Arista Records in 2001.

The case is expected to draw significant attention, with singer-songwriter John Legend reportedly scheduled to appear as a witness.

Dixon, a former vice president of A&R at Arista, alleges that Reid assaulted her on two occasions during her tenure at the label, where Reid served as president. She has said that after rejecting his alleged advances, her career suffered severe setbacks that it never fully recovered from. At the time, Dixon worked closely with major artists including Whitney Houston and Santana and was regarded as a rising executive within the industry.

According to Dixon, Reid retaliated professionally by limiting her opportunities and blocking projects she supported. One of her claims includes an allegation that Reid prevented the signing of John Legend, who later went on to achieve global success. Reid has consistently denied all accusations against him.

The trial is being brought under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, a temporary law that allowed alleged victims of sexual assault to pursue civil cases that were previously barred by statutes of limitations. Dixon has been a prominent advocate for the legislation and has publicly supported other survivors within the music industry.

In addition to her claims against Reid, Dixon has also accused Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons of rape and previously sued him for defamation after he suggested the allegations were false. Simmons has denied those claims.

Reid, a former “American Idol” judge and influential figure in the music business, maintains his innocence as the trial approaches. The proceedings are expected to spotlight broader issues of power, accountability, and abuse within the entertainment industry.