Def Jam Co-Founder Russell Simmons Accused Of Rape In New $10 Million Lawsuit
The producer has released a statement.
Content warning: This news article contains discussion of sexual assault.
Russell Simmons has been accused of alleged rape in a new $10 million lawsuit filed against the prolific US producer.
As Billboard reports, a complaint was filed with the LA County Superior Court by a woman identified as Jane Doe yesterday (23 March).
The woman alleges that the Def Jam co-founder invited her to an afterparty after they met at a concert she was attending with her young son.
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The lawsuit claims that after dropping off her son, Simmons brought the woman to his hotel room where the alleged assault occurred.
Simmons has issued a statement in which he denies all allegations made against him.
"They have shocked me to my core as I have never been abusive or violent in any way in my relations with women," the statement says.
"I have submitted myself to multiple lie detector tests. I denied forced sex and sexual harassment allegations brought against me in each test; I also answered no to the question, 'Have you ever physically forced any woman to have sexual intercourse?' I passed all of the lie detector tests."
The lawsuit marks the 16th time a woman has come forward with similar claims since Keri Claussen Khalighi reported the initial allegations in November of last year.
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.
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