Russell Simmons Steps Down
• Russell Simmons is stepping down from his companies after being accused of sexual assault by writer Jenny Lumet. In a guest column in The Hollywood Reporter, Lumet accuses Simmons, the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings and the current CEO of Rush Communications, of forcing her to have sex in 1991. In a statement, Simmons said he had a different recollection of their encounter, but said Lumet’s “feelings of fear and intimidation are real.” He apologized to Lumet, a screenwriter who is the daughter of director Sidney Lumet. Simmons added, “While I have never been violent, I have been thoughtless and insensitive in some of my relationships over many decades and I sincerely and humbly apologize.” This isn’t the first time Simmons has been accused of harassment or assault — a few weeks ago, model Keri Claussen Khalighi accused Simmons of forcing her to have sex.
In the wake of these allegations, HBO announced it is getting out of the Russell Simmons business, pulling his name from the new series he created. “HBO will be airing All Def Comedy as planned,” an HBO spokesperson said Thursday. “However, Russell Simmons will not appear in the new series and we will be removing his name from the show moving forward. We have no other projects with Russell Simmons.” JC Penney also told The Los Angeles Times it had “decided to discontinue selling Simmons’ Argyleculture merchandise.”
Simmons said, “The companies will now be run by a new and diverse generation of extraordinary executives who are moving the culture and consciousness forward. He added. “As for me, I will step aside and commit myself to continuing my personal growth, spiritual learning, and, above all, to listening.” [Photo from LinkedIn]
