Russell Simmons Steps Aside from Companies Following Sexual Assault Allegations

Instagram: @unclerush

In a statement posted on his Instagram page, the founder of hip hop label Def Jam, Russell Simmons announced he's stepping aside from his companies following another accusation of sexual misconduct.

Instagram: @unclerush

The latest  accusation is by screenwriter, Jenny Lumet, Russell Simmons is stepping aside from his various companies.

Lumet is the daughter of director, Sidney Lumet, and the granddaughter of legendary actress, Lena Horne. In a guest column for the Hollywood Reporter writes about Simmons assaulting her in 1991. 

In the article, Lumet writes a letter to Simmons. Explaining how she met him and how she got to that day in 1991 when the assault took place. Lumet's account follows model, Keri Claussen Khalighi's account to the LA Times earlier this month. Khalighi says, also, in 1991 Simmons assaulted her when she was just 17 years old. Khalighi says, director, Brett Ratner was also present and did nothing when Khaligi asked him for help.
Simmons is one of many huge names accused of sexual misconduct in recent months. Simmons is credited for bringing hip-hop to the mainstream and building it into a billion dollar industry. His brother is Rev. Run from RunDMC. He's the co founder of DefJam Records and is responsible for clothing lines, Phat Farm and Baby Phat and HBO's Def Comedy Jam.  With his company, Rush Communications, Simmons did a lot of philanthropy work.
                                   
Here's to the women who are courageous enough to tell their story and for giving others the courage to do the same.