A model named Keri Claussen Khaligh, who was 17-years-old at the time of the incident, has accused Russell Simmons of sexually assaulting her in a casting call during which film producer Brett Ratner allegedly watched and did nothing.
Khalighi told the Los Angeles Times that Simmons began making aggressive sexual advances, yanking off her clothes. “I looked over at Brett and said ‘help me’ and I'll never forget the look on his face,” she recalled. “In that moment, the realization fell on me that they were in it together.”
Khalighi said that Simmons, who was then about twice her age, tried to force her to have intercourse. “I fought it wildly,” she said. He eventually stopped and then forced her to perform oral sex, she alleged. “I guess I just acquiesced.” Meanwhile, Ratner, “just sat there and watched,” she said.
Khalighi then explains how she felt “disgusting” and went to take a shower. Minutes after she stepped in, Simmons walked up behind her in the shower and briefly penetrated her without her consent. She said she jerked away, then he left. “It hurt so much.”
Simmons is denying the account, saying in a statement: “Everything that occurred between Keri and me occurred with her full consent and participation.” Meanwhile, Ratner’s attorney, Martin Singer, said the film producer did not see her “protest” Simmons’ actions. Ratner has previously been accused of sexual misconduct by actresses including Olivia Munn.
Source: latimes.com
