Def Jam Co-founder Denies Assault Allegations

Content warning: This news article contains discussion of sexual assault.

US entrepreneur, and co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, Russell Simmons has denied assault allegations made against him on the weekend. 

LA Times has reported that Keri Claussen Khalighi alleges she was assaulted by Simmons in 1991 not long after she had moved from Nebraska to New York to pursue a modelling career.

Khalighi says that she was 17 years old at the time and met Simmons (now aged 60) with filmmaker Brett Ratner at a casting call for a music video.

Having accompanied the pair to dinner after the audition, Khalighi accepted an invite to Simmons apartment to view a video they had been working on.

She tells the Times that Simmons began to forcibly remove her clothes and she pleaded for help from Ratner. She recalls, "In that moment, the realization fell on me that they were in it together.”

She reveals that Simmons tried to force her to have intercourse but that she "fought wildly" until he relented and forced her to "perform oral sex".

She says that Ratner watched and that she was later assaulted again by Simmons while she showered.

Simmons refutes Khalighi's allegations, stating: “Everything that occurred between Keri and me occurred with her full consent and participation." Claiming also that much of the two days and one night he spent with her was with other people, or in public.

Ratner, through his attorney, has said that he has “no recollection” of Khalighi asking him for help and denied witnessing her “protest.”

Ratner is already at the centre of his own controversy as ten women this month have made allegations of sexual assault and harassment by him, including high profile actors Olivia Munn and Natasha Henstridge.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.