Russell Simmons is among the growing list of powerful men in entertainment who have been accused of sexual misconduct. The music and TV producer and co-founder of Def Jam Recordings was accused of sexual assault and harassment by model Keri Claussen Khalighi in a Nov. 19 article in The Los Angeles Times. The incident allegedly occurred in Simmons' New York City apartment when Khalighi was 17-years-old. Simmons has maintained that the sex between them was consensual and further elaborated on the event and the current conflict in Hollywood in a letter to The Hollywood Reporter.
Simmons noted that a widespread change is happening, and while he believes the vast majority of the stories told by these victims, the allegations against him are not true.
"In my case, three witnesses [Anthony McNair and two anonymous witnesses] have signed statements that our experiences that weekend with Keri Claussen Khalighi 26 years ago were consensual. My longtime loathing of any form of violence and abuse has been woven into all of my personal interactions, as most who know me will attest.
In our meeting many years later, and subsequent conversations, Keri never accused me of what she has said publicly. She insisted I was not violent. She did tell me her boyfriend and many others found out about our long weekend together and she said she was ashamed by that discovery. I am sorry for the embarrassment she recounted to me," Simmons wrote.
He also apologized for the women that he has offended in his life. The music mogul has become known for liking young models and being crass and notes that while he is "a work in progress," he was never abusive.
"I never committed any acts of aggression or violence in my life. I would never knowingly cause fear or harm to anyone. For any women from my past who I may have offended, I sincerely apologize. I am still evolving," Simmons continued.
"I remain an activist for women's rights and all things unjust. This is my life's work and journey, and God knows my heart. To all the #MeToo campaigns and women around the world, I support your healing and will continue to be an honest and imperfect advocate for the voiceless (including animals) and humanity as a whole."
Source: hollywoodreporter.com
