I generally agree that p53-mediated repression is in most cases indirect through p21-E2F-RB (p107,p130) axis (we proposed that in our 2004 and 2005 papers) cited in this article. Still, I would not dismiss the possibility of isolated cases of direct repression in specific cell types. Such cell type-specific effects might require a cell type specific repressive co-factor.
Article The transcription factor p53: Not a repressor, solely an activator