Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, has been named in a sexual assault lawsuit filed by a plaintiff identified only as Jane Doe. According to the lawsuit, Doe was working as a music video producer and had often been working on videos for Def Jam. She claims she had a professional relationship with Simmons and he was not flirtatious with her at all. However, the lawsuit alleges Simmons began “turning his rapacious attention toward Ms. Doe,” whilst she was working at the label’s Manhattan offices. He allegedly made sexual innuendos, suggested they have sex, asked inappropriate questions and forcibly penetrated her.
DEF Jam co-founder, Russell Simmons, once considered one of the music industry’s most influential executives, is included in a new sexual assault lawsuit brought by a music industry worker identified as Jane Doe.
While Simmons continues to deny all allegations, the lawsuit’s claims bear similarities to other cases in which he has been accused of sexual assault. The developing allegations have meant that Simmons’ is another name thrown into the #MeToo ring and the entertainment industry is left reeling from a series of similar accusations amongst other high profile figures.
Doe is currently seeking damages for sexual battery and assault, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violations of the New York City Gender Motivated Violence Act. Jane Doe also claims to have had a difficult career since leaving Def Jam due to the mental and emotional toll the alleged incident has taken on her.
Simmons is facing several other collective allegations of sexual assault since 2017 from model Keri Claussen Khalighi and writer Jenny Lumet, both of whom accuse Simmons of rape in 1991. He has consistently denied all claims of nonconsensual sex. Simmons’ wealth and influence has allowed his alleged abusive behaviour to go unchallenged for decades, according to Doe’s attorneys, Kenya K. Davis and Sigrid McCawley
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