A federal judge has cleared the way for a key claim in a sexual assault lawsuit against music executive Antonio “L.A.” Reid. The ruling allows former Arista A&R executive Drew Dixon to seek damages over the lost opportunity to sign two high-profile artists, Ye (formerly Kanye West) and John Legend, as alleged retaliation for rejecting Reid’s advances.
Judge Preserves Key Retaliation Claim
In a decision issued Thursday, U.S. District Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled that Dixon can pursue claims for lost commissions tied to Reid’s refusal to sign those artists—even though the events occurred years ago—under New York’s Adult Survivors Act. Reid had sought to bar that portion of the case, arguing it was time-barred. Judge Vargas rejected that argument, stating, “Once a cause of action has been revived, damages are not limited,” though she noted that Dixon may still face hurdles proving entitlement to those commissions.
Allegations of Professional Retaliation
Dixon’s 2023 lawsuit alleges that Reid forcibly kissed and groped her twice in 2001 following her rejection of his sexual advances. She further claims that in retaliation, he publicly dismissed Ye’s audition as a “waste of his time” in front of Arista’s A&R staff and even failed to appear at John Legend’s audition—actions she says deprived her of lucrative future earnings.
Reid’s Denial and Trial Preparations
Reid, who has led several major labels including Arista, Island Def Jam, and Epic, “adamantly” denies all allegations. The lawsuit is scheduled to head to trial on Sept. 8 in federal court in New York. Reid’s legal team has encountered difficulties: his attorney, Shawn Holley, withdrew due to unpaid fees and communication breakdown, leaving Reid to either find new counsel, represent himself, or risk a default judgment.