Amid sexual misconduct allegations including rape, Russell Simmons reportedly left the United States to attend a yoga retreat in Bali, according to Page Six. The Def Jam Co-Founder has taken a sabbatical at the Yoga Barn in Ubud while being investigated by the NYPD over two out of many claims.
The yoga center offers meditation, cleansing, detox, spiritual guidance, ayurvedic therapy, and reiki as forms of healings. Simmons began doing yoga more than two decades ago when he discovered the practice in 1994. He has practiced it every day since then and has even written books about the change of life.
“Russell is focusing on yoga and meditation, as well as his spiritual and emotional health," reports a source to the publication. “He has also been seen wearing robes and walking the streets and markets of Ubud, the yoga town in the jungle.” The anonymous source, also claims that Simmons will be writing a book about spirituality in the coming months.
Simmons has actively denied the allegations brought up against him. However, it is interesting to note that the Yoga Barn directly speaks sexual abuse and the misuse of power that comes with it.
“We do not tolerate sexual abuse, sexual harassment, psychological manipulation, or the deliberate misuse of power. Those who stand behind this pledge offer their support to any victims of abuse" reads their website.
“Sexual harassment must be openly discussed and integrated into spiritual communities in conscious, thoughtful ways intended to educate and empower individuals and groups … We can only move forward when issues of sexual harassment and abuse are allowed to be heard … When victims of abuse and mistreatment speak up, they need to know that they will be heard and action will be taken.”
Source: Page Six
