Russell Simmons Faces Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Assault by Former Def Jam Executive
Russell Simmons, the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, faces fresh allegations of sexual assault from a former executive at the iconic record label.
In a lawsuit filed on Tuesday (February 13) in a New York federal court under the pseudonym Jane Doe, the plaintiff accuses Simmons of sexual harassment and rape during the 1990s. The lawsuit includes charges of false imprisonment, battery, emotional distress, and a violation of New York’s gender-motivated violence law.
According to court documents, the plaintiff, who served as an executive at Def Jam, alleges that Simmons invited her to his apartment under the guise of work, where he engaged in wrestling with her in a purportedly playful manner before forcefully pinning her down on a bed and raping her despite her protests.
The lawsuit further details instances of ongoing harassment and intimidation in the workplace, where Simmons allegedly subjected the plaintiff to unwelcome sexual advances, suggestive comments, and physical encroachments, ultimately leading to her resignation in 1997.
Kenya K. Davis, the attorney representing the plaintiff, emphasized the traumatic impact of Simmons’ actions on his client’s career and well-being. Davis stated, “Now a successful writer and producer in the entertainment industry, Jane Doe’s traumatic experiences with Simmons echo those of so many other women who he has preyed upon for decades.”
Simmons, who has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct in the past, including from prominent women in the music industry, has denied the accusations. In a recent interview, he mentioned undergoing multiple lie detector tests to refute the claims.
The lawsuit against Simmons adds to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his behavior and underscores the broader conversation about accountability and justice for victims of sexual assault and harassment.
