Russell Simmons Breaks Silence On 2017 Rape Allegations, Denies Claims

Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons is talking out about a number of rape allegations made in opposition to him years in the past … and he is persevering with to disclaim sexually assaulting anybody.

The music mogul opened up concerning the claims in opposition to him on Wednesday’s episode of “In Depth with Graham Bensinger” … saying, “I’ve by no means been violent to anyone” — including all his relationships “have been consensual.”

He owns as much as being insensitive and utilizing “crude” language throughout sexual encounters over time, however shoots down the notion he is been “forceful” with any previous companions.

Additional, he complains he is suffered enormously as a result of allegations … saying, “All my 5 charities have gone down.” Nevertheless, he applauds the #MeToo motion — which fueled the warmth on Simmons in 2017 — by saying, “It is achieved loads of nice work for girls. It sensitized males in methods they weren’t sensitized, and for that I am grateful.”

Simmons stops in need of flat-out calling his accusers liars, and as an alternative, suggests that is extra about altering instances and attitudes towards intercourse. He says he is had 1000’s of sexual companions over time, however thinks it is not honest to match the local weather of at present to the way it was 40 years in the past.

As we reported, a number of ladies came forward claiming Russell sexually assaulted them over time. He was additionally sued by Jennifer Jarosik in 2018 over comparable allegations — however the case was dismissed months after she filed. Simmons maintained her allegations had been “completely unfaithful.”

By the best way, Graham flew to Simmons’ dwelling in Bali — the place he is lived since 2017 — to do the interview, however Simmons denies fleeing, saying … “As a result of I left and I spend a lot time right here, folks assumed that I actually left and ran though I am again in America on a regular basis.”