Russell Simmons

Music producer, businessman

Russell Simmons is a music producer and record label executive.  He is known for co-founding the Def Jam record label with Rick Rubin, for creating the clothing line Phat Farm, and for his involvement in the HBO program Def Comedy Jam.

In November and December 2017, Simmons was accused of multiple serious allegations of sexual misconduct.  They include:

• 1983: A member of  the hip-hop group Mercedes Ladies alleged that Simmons raped her in his office.
• 1988: A woman alleged that Simmons followed her into the bathroom, pushed her into a stall, and took out his penis before fleeing.
• 1988: A music journalist alleged that Simmons  raped her at his apartment.
• 1990: An author accused Simmons of raping her after a date.
• 1990-1991: A performer alleged that Simmons raped her at his apartment.
• 1991: A 17-year-old model alleged that Simmons coerced her into oral sex while film director Brett Ratner watched, and later penetrated her without her permission.
• 1991: A screenwriter alleged that Simmons coerced her into sex.
• 1991: A fashion publicist alleged that Simmons attempted to rape her at his apartment.
• 1994: A then-friend accused Simmons of raping her when she was passed out drunk.
• 1995: A music executive alleged that Simmons sexually harassed her and raped her.
• 1996: An actress alleged that Simmons attempted to force her to give him oral sex.
• 2005: A massage therapist alleged that Simmons exposed himself to her.
• 2014: A woman alleged that Simmons sexually assaulted her at a hotel.
• 2016: An aspiring filmmaker accused Simmons of raping her at his home.