Antonio “L.A.” Reid has reached a settlement in a high-profile sexual assault lawsuit with a former industry executive, averting a jury trial that was set to begin Monday. The case, rooted in allegations dating back more than two decades, has drawn national attention to workplace power, accountability and legal reform.
Reid, a Grammy-award winning producer and veteran record executive, resolved the lawsuit with Drew Dixon outside court just hours before jury selection. Court filings confirmed that the terms of the settlement are confidential and not subject to public disclosure.
In a statement outside Manhattan federal court, Dixon said she looked forward to her return to music. “I’m excited to get back to making music,” she said, noting that the litigation had been “an arduous process.” Her mother, former Washington, D.C., Mayor Sharon Pratt, called the experience “an excruciating journey.”
Reid’s attorney, Imran H. Ansari, said in a separate statement that the matter was resolved “amicably” and did not include any admission of liability. “Mr. Reid has amicably resolved this matter with Ms. Dixon without any admission of liability,” Ansari said.
Allegations and Legal Context
Dixon, a former A&R executive at Arista Records, filed the lawsuit in 2023 under New York’s Adult Survivors Act. The law created a one-year window for historic abuse claims that were previously barred by the statute of limitations.
In her complaint, Dixon alleged that Reid sexually assaulted her on two occasions in 2001 — once on a private jet and once in a vehicle — while she worked under his supervision. She also claimed that after rejecting his advances, Reid retaliated by undermining her professional opportunities and sidelining her work with artists.
Reid has denied the allegations throughout the proceedings. He has declined to publicly comment on the claims and did not admit wrongdoing in the settlement.
High-profile figures, including musician John Legend and industry executive Roy Lott, were expected to testify on Dixon’s behalf had the case gone to trial.
Dixon’s attorney, Kenya Davis, said the settlement allows her client to reclaim her voice and career. “This resolution will empower her to move forward with her creative pursuits on her own terms,” Davis said.
Dixon also highlighted her advocacy work tied to the Adult Survivors Act. “I hope my work as an advocate for the Adult Survivors Act helps bring us closer to a safer music business,” she said, adding that the outcome could be a “ray of light peeking through the clouds” for other survivors.