Russell Simmons

{{distinguish|text=Russell Simins, drummer for the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion}}

{{Infobox person

| name = Russell Simmons

| image = Russell Simmons 2012 Shankbone.JPG

| caption = Simmons at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival premiere of Mansome

| birth_name = Russell Wendell Simmons

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1957|10|4}}

| birth_place = New York City, U.S.

| occupation = {{hlist|Entrepreneur|writer|record executive}}

| years_active = 1984–present

| spouse = {{marriage|Kimora Lee Simmons|1998|2009|end=divorced}}

| children = 2

| relatives = Joseph Simmons (brother)
Danny Simmons (brother)

| signature = Russell Simmons signature, Billboard Open Letter 2016.png

}}

Russell Wendell Simmons (born October 4, 1957) is an American entrepreneur, writer and record executive. He co-founded the hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings,{{cite news |last=Aquino |first=Joann Natalia |title=Russell Simmons, "godfather of hip hop," comes to Seattle: Part of 20-city author tour |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=February 20, 2011 |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/ae/books/article/Russell-Simmons-godfather-of-hip-hop-comes-to-1023483.php |access-date=February 3, 2012}} and created the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and Tantris. He has promoted veganism and a yoga lifestyle, and published books on lifestyle, health, and entrepreneurship. Simmons' net worth was estimated at $340 million in 2011.{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2011/04/26/smallbusiness/russell_simmons_small_business/index.htm |publisher=CNN |first=Tania |last=Padgett |title=Russell Simmons: Getting rich is so simple |date=April 26, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429045319/https://money.cnn.com/2011/04/26/smallbusiness/russell_simmons_small_business/index.htm |archive-date=April 29, 2011|access-date=March 22, 2021}}

After producing or managing artists such as Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, Whodini, and Jimmy Spicer, Simmons joined forces with producer Rick Rubin to found Def Jam Recordings. Under Simmons' leadership as chairman, Def Jam signed acts including the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Jay-Z, DMX, and Kanye West. From 1992 to 1997, he also produced the Def Comedy Jam television program.

In 2017, Simmons was publicly accused of sexual assault by multiple women; he denied the allegations. Following these allegations, Simmons stepped down from his various business roles and charities, including his position at Def Jam.

Early life

Russell Wendell Simmons was born in the Hollis neighborhood of New York City's Queens borough on October 4, 1957.{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/russell-simmons-mn0000215647|title=Russell Simmons Biography |first=Steve |last=Huey|publisher=AllMusic |access-date=February 25, 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Rose |first1=Naeisha |title=Hollis icon Russell Simmons resigns from business after sexual misconduct accusations |url=https://qns.com/story/2017/12/08/hollis-icon-russell-simmons-resigns-from-business-after-sexual-misconduct-accusations/ |access-date=February 20, 2019 |publisher=QNS.com |date=December 8, 2017}} His father was a public school administrator and his mother was a park administrator for the New York City Parks and Recreation Department. His brothers are painter Daniel Simmons Jr. and Joseph Simmons (better known as Rev Run of Run-DMC fame). In 1975, after graduating from August Martin High School, Simmons briefly attended the City College of New York in Harlem where he met a young DJ/Bboy, Kurt Walker, who influenced him to participate in the hip hop phenomenon.{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonblade.com/2013/08/29/russell-simmons-athletes-leading-our-cultural-awakening-lgbt-sports-issue-opinion/|title=Russell Simmons: Athletes leading our cultural awakening|newspaper=Washington Blade|publisher=Window Media LLC|location=Washington DC|date=August 29, 2013|access-date=June 23, 2018}}{{cite book|first=Carrie|last=Golus|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tC4qVYAiBy0C&pg=PA20|title=Russell Simmons: From Def Jam to Super Rich|publisher=Twenty-first Century Books|location=Minneapolis, Minnesota|date=2012|isbn=978-0761381570}}{{cite news|first=Mindy|last=Fetterman|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2007-05-13-exec-simmons-usat_N.htm|title=Today's Entrepreneur: Russell Simmons can't slow down|work=USA Today|location=Mclean, Virginia|date=May 23, 2007|access-date=June 23, 2018}}[https://archive.today/20131003113922/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=1466913&privcapId=916373 "Executive Profile: Russell Simmons"], Bloomberg BusinessWeek. Retrieved December 16, 2017.Rachel Kranz, [https://books.google.com/books?id=NCHX6P8ETI0C&dq=russell+simmons+1975+high+school&pg=PA252 "Simmons, Russell"], in African-American Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs, Facts On File, 2004, p. 252. Upon hearing Eddie Cheeba perform in Harlem in 1977, Simmons knew that hip hop would be his career.{{cite book |author=Carrie Golus|title=Russell Simmons: From Def Jam to Super Rich|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HBpbEHD8qAQC&pg=PA21|date=January 1, 2012|publisher=Twenty-First Century Books|isbn=978-0-7613-8157-0|page=21}} Simmons stated, "Hearing Cheeba in '77 made me feel like I had just witnessed the invention of the wheel." In 1979, Simmons met Robert Ford Jr., who began taking him to industry events and teaching him about the music business. Simmons would later credit Ford as his "guru".{{Cite news |last=Caramanica |first=Jon |author-link=Jon Caramanica |date=2020-06-05 |title=Robert Ford Jr., an Early Force in Hip-Hop, Is Dead at 70 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/05/arts/music/robert-ford-jr-dead.html |access-date=2023-10-14 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |last=Eustice |first=Kyle |date=2020-05-20 |title=Russell Simmons Reveals Veteran Hip Hop Producer Robert Ford Jr. Has Died |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.56004/title.russell-simmons-reveals-veteran-hip-hop-producer-robert-ford-jr-has-died |access-date=2023-10-14 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}

Career

File:Russell Simmons.jpg

Simmons co-founded Def Jam in 1984 with Rick Rubin, after many mergers, Simmons sold his share of the company for $120 million to Universal Music Group in 1998. Simmons co-produced and appeared in the 1985 film Krush Groove.{{cite web| url= https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089444/fullcredits|title=Krush Groove (1985) : Full Cast & Crew|publisher=IMDb|access-date=February 1, 2016}} Simmons' company, Rush Communications Inc., includes over ten businesses and three non-profits. Simmons, with his partner Stan Lathan, has also produced television hits HBO's Def Comedy Jam and Def Poetry Jam, and currently has a development deal with HBO.{{cite news|first=Patrick|last=Neate|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/13/def-jam-launched-simmons-rubin |title=Def Jam Records launched by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin|newspaper=The Guardian |location=London, England|date=July 12, 2011 |access-date=February 1, 2016}} In 1996, Simmons co-produced the hit film The Nutty Professor, starring Eddie Murphy. In 1997, Simmons co-produced the film Def Jam's How to Be a Player, starring Bill Bellamy.{{cite book|first1=Russell |last1=Simmons|first2=Nelson |last2=George |title=Life and Def: Sex, Drugs, Money, and God|year=2001|publisher=Random House|location=New York City|isbn=0609606077}} In 2003, Simmons co-founded RushCard, a prepaid debit card provider.{{cite news| title=Introduction: About Us |url=https://www.rushcard.com/about-us| website= rushcard.com |publisher= RushCard Prepaid Visa Card |access-date=March 4, 2017}}{{cite magazine|first=Michelle|last=Toh|url=http://fortune.com/2016/08/29/rushcard-russell-simmons/ |title=Russell Simmons' Prepaid Debit Card Is Adding New Security Features |magazine=Fortune Magazine|publisher=Meredith Corporation|location=New York City|date=August 29, 2016|access-date=March 4, 2017}}

In 1992, Simmons launched the clothing line Phat Fashions LLC using the Phat Farm and Baby Phat labels. When Simmons first created Phat Fashions LLC, the clothing line was sold in a shop in the SoHo district of Manhattan. Simmons's connections with well-known rap artists helped to promote the clothing line to a wide audience. The influence of designers such as Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger gave the clothing line a classic look and feel. Phat Fashions encompassed hip hop clothing for women and children, as well as men, and grew into a lifestyle brand with the addition of jewelry, perfume, and other merchandise. Phat Fashions LLC sold merchandise in two stores in New York and Montreal, as well as online at www.phatfarm.com. In addition, the clothing line was carried by some 3,000 retailers in the United States.{{cite web|url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/phat-fashions-llc-history/|title=History of Phat Fashions LLC |website= fundinguniverse.com| date= | publisher= | access-date= }}

In 2001, "Hip-Hop Minister" and former Nation of Islam minister Conrad Tillard feuded with Simmons, accusing him of stoking violence by allowing the frequent use of words such as "nigga" and "bitch" in rap lyrics.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nypress.com/news/will-hiphop-minister-conrad-muhammad-go-from-noi-to-gop-GANP1020020723307239999|title=Will "Hiphop Minister" Conrad Muhammad Go from N.O.I. to G.O.P.?|website= nypress.com| publisher= |date=February 16, 2015| access-date= }}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/16/nyregion/keeping-the-faith-differently-a-harlem-firebrand-quietly-returns-to-christianity.html|title=Keeping the Faith, Differently; A Harlem Firebrand Quietly Returns to Christianity |first=Alan| last= Feuer| date=June 16, 2003|work=The New York Times}}{{cite encyclopedia| first= Yvonne |last= Bynoe |year= 2006| url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ioKfAAAAMAAJ&q=%22conrad+tillard%22 |title= Russell Simmons| encyclopedia= Encyclopedia of Rap and Hip-hop Culture| publisher= Bloomsbury Academic| page= | isbn= }} Tillard then organized a summit in Harlem over what he viewed as negative imagery in hip hop. Simmons organized a counter-summit, urging the public not to "support open and aggressive critics of the hip-hop community".{{cite book| first1= David M.| last1= Newman| first2= Jodi |last2= O'Brien |year= 2008| page= [https://books.google.com/books?id=TlIAzT5uT-IC&dq=%22conrad+muhammad%22&pg=PA369 369]| title= Sociology; Exploring the Architecture of Everyday Life Readings| publisher=| isbn= }}{{Cite news |last=George |first=Robert |date=May 8, 2001 |title=The New Hip-Hop Feud: Battle Lines Are Being Drawn in the Effort to Clean up Rap |work=The New York Post |url=https://nypost.com/2001/05/08/the-new-hip-hop-feud-battle-lines-are-being-drawn-in-the-effort-to-clean-up-rap/ |access-date=August 22, 2022}}

In 2002, Simmons launched his first Broadway venture, Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam on Broadway.{{cite web|url=https://playbill.com/article/photo-call-russell-simmons-brings-def-poetry-to-broadway-com-109630|magazine=Playbill|title=PHOTO CALL: Russell Simmons Brings Def Poetry to Broadway|author=Ehren, Christine|date=November 18, 2002}}

In 2004, Simmons sold Phat Farm and Baby Phat to the Kellwood Company for $140 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.racked.com/2016/1/11/10737956/hip-hop-brands-fubu-sean-john-rocawear-phat-farm|title=Where Did These Hip-Hop Clothing Labels Go?|first=Nia|last=Porter|date=January 11, 2016| website= Racked.com| publisher= | access-date= }}

In the same year, Simmons formed Russell Simmons Music Group, or RSMG, a record label founded as a joint venture with Universal Music's Island Def Jam Music Group.{{Cite web |last=Watkins |first=Grouchy Greg |date=2004-11-15 |title=Russell Simmons Returning To Music With New Label |url=https://allhiphop.com/news/russell-simmons-returning-to-music-with-new-label/ |access-date=2023-02-07 |website=AllHipHop |language=en-US}} Tony Austin was the label's president.{{Cite web |last= | website= blackentrepreneurprofile.com |title=Russell Simmons Music Group (RSMG) officially named Tony Austin President of RSMG |url= https://www.blackentrepreneurprofile.com/news/article/russell-simmons-music-group-rsmg-officially-named-tony-austin-president-of-rsmg |access-date=2023-02-07 |language=en-CA}}{{Cite press release |title=Tony Austin Named as President of Russell Simmons Music Group |url= https://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/04/prweb233167.htm |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230207055134/https://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/04/prweb233167.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |access-date=2023-02-07 |via=PRWeb}}

Simmons and his brothers founded the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation in 1995. The foundation provides art education and support to under-serviced youth by helping people of color access the arts and by providing exhibition opportunities. The Foundation serves about 3,000 students annually and maintains two galleries. The Rush Arts Gallery in Chelsea, Manhattan and the Corridor Gallery in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn exhibit the work of more than 100 community and emerging artists.{{cite web|url=https://rushphilanthropic.org/about/|title=About Us|publisher=Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation}}

In 2014, Claremont Lincoln University awarded Simmons an honorary doctorate degree in humane letters for his work as chairman of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding and for promoting mindfulness, compassion and inter-religious collaboration in the public sphere.{{cite web| first= Wes |last= Woods| url= http://www.dailybulletin.com/social-affairs/20140518/russell-simmons-keynote-speaker-for-claremont-lincoln-university |title= Russell Simmons keynote speaker for Claremont Lincoln University| work= Inland Valley Daily Bulletin| date= May 18, 2014| publisher= | access-date= }}

In October 2021, Simmons released a NFT collection, Masterminds of Hip Hop.{{Cite web |date=2021-08-10 |title=Russell Simmons Launches NFT "Masterminds of Hip Hop" Collection to Help Artists Earn Cash |url=https://www.blackenterprise.com/russell-simmons-launches-nft-collection-masterminds-of-hip-hop-to-help-pioneers-capitalize-on-their-contributions/ |access-date=2022-05-30 |website= blackenterprise.com |language=en-US}} It centered on driving forces in the hip hop music industry and was curated by Snoop Dogg.{{cite web |last1=Mozée |first1=Carla |title=Music mogul Russell Simmons is diving into NFTs with a 'Masterminds of Hip Hop' project curated with Snoop Dogg |url= https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/currencies/russell-simmons-nft-collection-snoop-dogg-def-jam-hip-hop-2021-10 |website=Business Insider |access-date=7 October 2021}}

Personal life

Simmons and model Kimora Lee met in November 1991, when she was 16 years old and still in high school. On December 20, 1998,{{cite magazine |first1=Stephen M.|last1=Silverman|url=https://people.com/celebrity/russell-kimora-lee-simmons-split/|title=Russell, Kimora Lee Simmons Split| magazine=People|publisher=Meredith Corporation|location=New York |date=March 31, 2006|access-date=June 23, 2018}} they married on the island of Saint Barthélemy. They have two daughters. In March 2006, Simmons announced that he and Lee had ended their relationship; they divorced two years later.{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/celebrity/kimora-lee-files-for-divorce-from-russell-simmons/ |title= Kimora Lee Files for Divorce from Russell Simmons|magazine=People|publisher=Meredith Corporation|location=New York |date=March 26, 2008|access-date=June 23, 2018}}

Simmons has been a vegan since 1999. Stating love and respect for all religions, he describes himself as a Christian yogi[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ag5wDXEsX8 "Russell Simmons on his vegan diet, Obama and yoga"] at Youtube. who practices Jivamukti Yoga,{{cite news| first= Sheila |last= Marikar |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/17/fashion/russell-simmons-yoga-los-angeles-tantris.html|title=Russell Simmons, the Yoga King of Los Angeles|newspaper=The New York Times|location=New York City|date=November 16, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2018}} which encourages vegetarianism and social and environmental activism. He is also a practitioner of Transcendental Meditation (TM){{cite web |first= Alexa |last= Valiente |url= https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/russell-simmons-meditation-changed-life-relationship-donald-trump/story?id=47036252|title=Russell Simmons on how meditation changed his life, his relationship with Donald Trump|work=ABC News| date= April 26, 2017|access-date=June 23, 2018}} and a supporter of the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace, which was established to ensure that any child in America who wants to learn and practice TM can do so.{{cite web| first= Russell| last= Simmons |url= http://www.huffingtonpost.com/russell-simmons/why-i-meditate_b_474689.html|title=Why I meditate|website=HuffPost|publisher= Huffington Post Media Group| location= New York |date=February 24, 2010|access-date=June 23, 2018}}

Social activism

Simmons is an advocate of Ahimsa and veganism, citing animal rights along with the environmental and health benefits. He said he went vegan after watching the film Diet for a New America in the 1990s.{{Cite web|date=January 25, 2016|title=The Happy Vegan: Mogul Russell Simmons on How His Lifestyle Fuels His Success|url=https://www.forksoverknives.com/wellness/the-happy-vegan-mogul-russell-simmons-on-how-his-lifestyle-fuels-his-success/|access-date=August 22, 2020|website=Forks Over Knives|language=en-US}} He is a supporter of Farm Sanctuary, an organization working to end cruelty to farm animals.{{cite news| url=http://yourlife.usatoday.com/mind-soul/doing-good/kindness/post/2009/11/Thanksgiving-getting-a-remake-courtesy-of-Russell-Simmons/8477/1 | work=USA Today | title=Thanksgiving getting a remake courtesy of Russell Simmons

| date=November 13, 2009}} People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals awarded him the 2001 PETA Humanitarian Award and the 2011 Person of the Year Award.Cookie Lommell, [https://books.google.com/books?id=4laORCuvf9UC&dq=Russell+Simmons+PETA+humanitarian+award&pg=PA84 Russell Simmons] Infobase Publishing 2007.Calvin Stovall, "[https://www.bet.com/article/pf8omr/russell-simmons-honored-by-peta Russell Simmons Honored by PETA"], BET, December 19, 2011.

In 2009, Simmons organized thousands of protestors and hip-hop celebrities in front of City Hall demanding change of the sentencing rules of the Rockefeller Drug Laws.{{cite web|last1=AbduSalaam|first1=Ismael|title=Russell Simmons Leads NY Protest Against Rockefeller Drug Laws|url=https://allhiphop.com/2009/03/25/russell-simmons-leads-ny-protest-against-rockefeller-drug-laws/|website=allhiphop.com|date=March 25, 2009|access-date=June 19, 2017}}

In 2002, Simmons became chairman of the board of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding.{{cite news |first= Anthony |last=Ramirez |title=Backstage With Six Rabbis, Six Imams and No "Kumbaya" |newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 13, 2008 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/nyregion/13bias.html |access-date=June 3, 2013}} In May 2009, he was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Slavery Memorial at the United Nations to honor the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.[https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2009/sgsm12258.doc.htm "Secretary-General pledges to fill gap in knowledge about causes, effects of transatlantic slave trade"]. United Nations. In a similar vein, Simmons is a supporter of the Somaly Mam Foundation,{{cite web|title=Russell Simmons Got A Joyful Hamptons' Social Life, Hosts Somaly Mam Foundation Benefit|date=August 15, 2011|url=http://globalgrind.com/entertainment/russell-simmons-cover-social-life-magazine-melissa-george-photos|publisher=Global Grind|access-date=August 15, 2011}} and was honored at their 2011 gala dinner.{{cite web|title=2011 East Coast Gala|url=http://www.somaly.org/events/2011-somaly-mam-foundation-east-coast-gala|publisher=Somaly Mam Foundation|access-date=September 19, 2011}} In 2011, Simmons officially endorsed the second Muslim Jewish Conference. Together with Rabbi Marc Schneier he served as the official patron of the conference held July 2011 in Kyiv, Ukraine. In 2011, he took part in the Occupy Wall Street protests, visiting the protesters at Zuccotti Park often and for many consecutive days.

Simmons is a longtime supporter of gay rights, and he encourages marriage equality.{{cite news| url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2011/03/russell_simmons_gay_marriage_a.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131032124/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2011/03/russell_simmons_gay_marriage_a.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 31, 2013 | newspaper=The Washington Post | title=Russell Simmons, gay marriage and Maryland}} In 2011, when the retail corporation Lowe's withdrew funding from the show All-American Muslim, Simmons promised to pay the Learning Channel for any revenue lost.{{cite news|title=Waging a One-Man War on American Muslims|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/17/us/on-religion-a-one-man-war-on-american-muslims.html?_r=2&src=tp&smid=fb-share|first=Samuel G.|last=Freedman|date=December 16, 2011|work=The New York Times}}

In 2012, Simmons supported Ohio congressman Dennis Kucinich's re-election campaign, appearing with the politician at various speaking events.{{cite news|url=http://www.toledoblade.com/Politics/2012/03/02/Hip-hop-mogul-Russell-Simmons-to-appear-with-Kucinich.html | work=Toledo Blade | date=March 2, 2012| title=Hip hop mogul Russell Simmons to appear with Kucinich}} In November 2013, he pledged support for New York's mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio in recognition of his support for animal rights.{{cite tweet|first=Russell|last=Simmons|user=UncleRUSH|url=https://twitter.com/UncleRUSH/statuses/396387643237228544|title=proud to support @deBlasioNYC to be NYC's next mayor as I know he supports animal rights and will stop abuse of the horses in Central Park|website=Twitter|number=396387643237228544|date=November 1, 2013}}

In 2017, Simmons was listed by UK-based company Richtopia at number 23 in the list of 200 Most Influential Social-Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists Worldwide.{{cite web|url=https://richtopia.com/inspirational-people/top-200-philanthropists-social-entrepreneurs|title=Philanthropists & Social Entrepreneurs Top 200: From Elon Musk to Melinda Gates, These Are the Most Influential Do-Gooders in the World|work=Richtopia|access-date=March 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330083458/https://richtopia.com/inspirational-people/top-200-philanthropists-social-entrepreneurs|archive-date=March 30, 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.naij.com/1096829-200-influential-philanthropists-world-see-nigerian-list.html|title=200 most influential philanthropists in the world|work=Naij|date=March 31, 2017|access-date=March 31, 2017}}

Vegan burgers

Simmons is a senior advisor of the vegan burger brand Everything Legendary. In 2022, the company closed a $6 million series A round.{{Cite web |last=Axworthy |first=Nicole |title=How This Black-Owned Vegan Burger Brand Nearly Quadrupled Its Reach in One Year |url=https://vegnews.com/2022/2/everything-legendary-quadruples-business |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=VegNews.com |language=en-US}}

Harriet Tubman sex tape controversy

In August 2013, Simmons launched the controversial "Harriet Tubman Sex Tape" parody video on his YouTube channel, All Def Digital, which led to public outrage and many critics demanding an apology. The video featured an actress portraying the abolitionist Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) having sex with her slave owner with the intent of filming the act and blackmailing him to convince him to work on the Underground Railroad.{{cite web|title=Russell Simmons and the Harriet Tubman Sex Tape|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYmQM1NAaWY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/YYmQM1NAaWY |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|website=The Young Turks|via=YouTube|location=San Bruno, California|date=August 15, 2013|access-date=December 8, 2017}}{{cbignore}} People from his own community{{huh|date=August 2024}}, such as filmmaker Spike Lee,{{Cite news|first=Melia|last=Robinson|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/spike-lee-slams-russell-simmons-for-producing-mock-harriet-tubman-sex-tape-2013-8|title=Spike Lee Slams Russell Simmons For Producing Mock Harriet Tubman Sex Tape|work=Business Insider|publisher=Axel Springer SE|location=New York City|date=August 15, 2013|access-date=December 8, 2017}} were offended by the controversial comedy sketch.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/16/russell-simmons-defamed-harriet-tubman|newspaper=The Guardian|date=August 16, 2013|title=Russell Simmons, you defamed not just Harriet Tubman but all black women|first=Kimberly|last=Foster}}

On his website, Simmons posted an apology for the parody, writing:{{Cite web |last=Simmons |first=Russell |date=2013-08-15 |title=I Get It And I Respect It…The Harriet Tubman Video Has Been Removed. |url=https://globalgrind.com/3848725/i-get-it-and-i-respect-it-the-harriet-tubman-video-has-been-removed/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Global Grind |language=en-US}}{{Cite magazine |last=Cubarrubia |first=RJ |date=August 15, 2013 |title=Russell Simmons Apologizes for Harriet Tubman 'Sex Tape' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/russell-simmons-apologizes-for-harriet-tubman-sex-tape-20130815 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |magazine=Rolling Stone |publisher=Wenner Media LLC}}

{{cquote|I'm a very liberal person with thick skin. My first impression of the Harriet Tubman piece was that it was about what one of actors said in the video, that 162 years later, there's still tremendous injustice. And with Harriet Tubman outwitting the slave master? I thought it was politically correct. Silly me. I can now understand why so many people are upset.

I would never condone violence against women in any form, and for all of those I offended, I am sincerely sorry.

}}

Sexual misconduct, assault and rape allegations

=Background=

In November 2017, model Keri Claussen Khalighi accused Simmons of raping her in 1991, when she was 17. Simmons and Brett Ratner, whom Khalighi accused of watching them without intervening when she asked for his help, both deny that the encounter was non-consensual.{{cite news|first=Ben|last=Beaumont-Thomas|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/nov/20/russell-simmons-accused-of-sexual-assault-alongside-brett-ratner|title=Russell Simmons accused of sexual assault alongside Brett Ratner|newspaper=The Guardian|date=November 20, 2017|access-date=June 23, 2018}}

As the allegation was covered in the press, Terry Crews accused Simmons of attempting to influence him to take back sexual assault allegations that Crews had recently brought up against film executive Adam Venit, asking that Crews "give him a pass ... ask that he be reinstated." Crews posted on his Twitter account a screenshot of the alleged e-mail he had received from Simmons.{{cite news|first=Soniya|last=Kelley|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-entertainment-news-updates-russell-simmons-to-terry-crews-give-1511114119-htmlstory.html|title=Terry Crews says Russell Simmons asked him to give target of sexual-assault allegations 'a pass'|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=November 19, 2017|access-date=June 23, 2018}}{{Cite news|first=Gwilym|last=Mumford|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/oct/11/actor-terry-crews-sexually-assaulted-by-hollywood-executive|title=Actor Terry Crews: I was sexually assaulted by Hollywood executive |work=The Guardian|date=October 11, 2017|access-date=November 29, 2017|issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41580861 |title=Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor claims groping|website=BBC News|date=October 11, 2017|access-date=June 23, 2018 }}{{cite web|first=Lexy|last=Perez|title=Terry Crews Details Alleged Sexual Assault by WME's Adam Venit|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/terry-crews-details-alleged-sexual-assault-by-wmes-adam-venit-1058506|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 15, 2017|access-date=November 16, 2017}}

On November 30, 2017, writer Jenny Lumet claimed that Simmons had raped her in 1991. In response, Simmons said he would step down from his positions with his businesses.{{cite news|first1=Jenny|last1=Lumet|author-link=Jenny Lumet|title=Writer Jenny Lumet: Russell Simmons Sexually Violated Me (Guest Column)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/writer-jenny-lumet-russell-simmons-sexually-violated-me-guest-column-1062934|work=The Hollywood Reporter|publisher=Valence Media|location=Los Angeles, California|date=November 30, 2017|access-date=June 23, 2018}} On the same day, HBO announced that they would be removing Simmons' name and likeness from his stand-up comedy specials starting with the December 1 episode.

On December 13, 2017, the Los Angeles Times published an investigative report in which five women accused Simmons of sexual misconduct, including another alleged rape. On the same day, The New York Times published the accounts of four other women who accused Simmons of inappropriate conduct, including three more alleged rapes.{{cite news|title=Music Mogul Russell Simmons Is Accused of Rape by 3 Women|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/13/arts/music/russell-simmons-rape.html|first1=Joe|last1=Coscarelli|first2=Melena|last2=Ryzik|work=New York Times|date=December 17, 2017|accessdate=February 17, 2024}} In response to the allegations, Simmons stated he "never had a sexual encounter that was not consensual or lawful. Ever."{{cite news|first1=Daniel|last1=Miller|first2=Amy|last2=Kaufman|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-entertainment-news-updates-nypd-opens-investigation-into-russell-1513286033-htmlstory.html|title=NYPD opens investigation into Russell Simmons as more sexual assault allegations surface|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|location=Los Angeles, California|date=December 14, 2017|access-date=June 23, 2018}}

On February 9, 2018, Simmons denied the allegations to Rolling Stone, saying (in part), "I vehemently deny all the allegations made against me. They have shocked me to my core as I have never been abusive or violent in any way in my relations with women. I am blessed to have shared extraordinary relationships, whether through work or love, with many great women and I have enormous respect for the women's movement worldwide and their struggle for respect, dignity, equality and power. I am devastated by any reason I may have given to anyone to say or think of me in the ways that are currently being described. I have separated myself from my businesses and charities to not become a distraction."{{cite magazine|first=Elias|last=Leight|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/russell-simmons-sexual-assault-allegations-a-timeline-w516384|title=Russell Simmons Sexual Assault Allegations: A Timeline|magazine=Rolling Stone|publisher=Wenner Media LLC|location=New York City|date=February 9, 2018|access-date=June 23, 2018}}

On April 25, 2018, Jennifer Jarosik, a filmmaker who also alleged Simmons raped her, dropped her lawsuit. The suit was dismissed with prejudice, meaning Jarosik cannot refile allegations in court.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2018/04/25/russell-simmons-scores-win-accuser-jennifer-jarosik-drops-lawsuit/552026002/|title=Russell Simmons scores a win, accuser Jennifer Jarosik drops lawsuit|newspaper=USA Today|publisher=Gannett|location=McLean, Virginia|date=April 25, 2018|access-date=June 23, 2018|agency=Associated Press}}

On February 13, 2024, a lawsuit filed by Jane Doe in New York Federal Court obtained by People, alleged that she was sexually assaulted and harassed by her boss, Russell Simmons, in the 1990s. This was while pursuing her professional ambitions as an executive at Def Jam.{{Cite web |title=Russell Simmons Sued for Alleged Rape in the '90s by Former Def Jam Music Video Producer |url=https://people.com/russell-simmons-sued-for-alleged-rape-in-the-90s-by-former-def-jam-music-video-producer-8579909 |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}} On February 15, 2024, another lawsuit, this time alleging defamation, was filed against Simmons by former Def Jam executive Drew Dixon.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/02/15/russell-simmons-defamation-lawsuit-drew-dixon/72616904007/|title=Russell Simmons lawsuit, explained: Rape accuser, former exec Drew Dixon claims defamation|first=Brendan|last=Morrow|publisher=USA Today|date=February 15, 2024|accessdate=February 17, 2024}} Dixon was previously one of the three women to accuse him of rape in the December 2017 New York Times article.

=Accusers=

A number of women, some of whom were aged 17 at the time of the alleged incidents, have accused Simmons of sexual harassment, assault or rape:

==Sexual harassment or assault==

Women who said they had been sexually harassed or assaulted (including attempted rape) by Simmons include:

Keri Claussen Khalighi, model{{cite news|first1=Daniel|last1=Miller|first2=Amy|last2=Kaufman|first3=Victoria|last3=Kim|url=http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-brett-ratner-russell-simmons-20171119-htmlstory.html|title=Russell Simmons and Brett Ratner face new allegations of sexual misconduct|work=Los Angeles Times|location=Los Angeles, California|date=November 19, 2017|access-date=June 23, 2018}}
Kelly Cutrone, publicist and author{{cite web|first1=Rebecca|last1=Lewis|title=Strike actor says Harvey Weinstein 'offered sex in return for furthering career'|url=https://metro.co.uk/2017/10/16/strike-star-amber-anderson-claims-harvey-weinstein-offered-sex-in-return-for-furthering-her-career-7004835/|website=Metro|publisher=DMG Media|location=London, England|date=October 16, 2017|access-date=June 23, 2018}}
Luann de Lesseps, reality television personality{{cite magazine|first=Maria|last=Pasquini|url=http://people.com/tv/luann-de-lesseps-russell-simmons-groping-allegation/|title=Luann de Lesseps Accuses Russell Simmons of Groping Her in an Elevator: 'He Was Just a Pig'|magazine=People|publisher=Meredith Corporation|location=New York City|date=April 8, 2018|access-date=April 9, 2018}}
Lisa Kirk, an acquaintance of Simmons'{{cite web|first=Tolly|last=Wright|url= https://www.vulture.com/2017/12/five-more-women-accuse-russell-simmons-of-sexual-misconduct.html|title=5 Additional Women Accuse Russell Simmons of Sexual Misconduct and Assault|website=Vulture.com|publisher=New York Media|location=New York City|date=December 14, 2017|access-date=October 4, 2019}}
Toni Sallie, music journalist
Amanda Seales, actor and comedian (verbal harassment)
Natashia Williams-Blach, actress

==Rape==

Women who said they had been raped by Simmons include:

Tina Baker, singer-turned-lawyer{{cite news |last1=Coscarelli |first1=Joe |last2=Ryzik |first2=Melena |title=Music Mogul Russell Simmons Is Accused of Rape by 3 Women |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/13/arts/music/russell-simmons-rape.html |work=The New York Times |date=December 13, 2017}}
Drew Dixon, former music recording executive
Sherri Hines, musician{{cite magazine|first=Melody|last=Chiu|title=13 Women Total Accuse Music Producer Russell Simmons of Sexual Misconduct – Everything They've Said|url=http://people.com/music/russell-simmons-sexual-misconduct-allegations-complete-list/|magazine=People|publisher=Meredith Corporation|location=New York City|date=March 26, 2018|access-date=June 23, 2018}}
Jennifer Jarosik, filmmaker{{cite web|first=Anastasia|last=Tsioulcas|title=Russell Simmons Publicly Accused Of Rape by a 6th Woman|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/01/25/580629581/russell-simmons-publicly-accused-of-rape-by-a-6th-woman|publisher=NPR|location=Washington DC|date=January 25, 2018|access-date=June 23, 2018}}
Jenny Lumet, screenwriter{{cite news |last1=Marcin |first1=Tim |title=Who Is Jenny Lumet? Russell Simmons Resigns After Screenwriter Alleges Sexual Misconduct |url=https://www.newsweek.com/who-jenny-lumet-russell-simmons-resigns-screenwriter-alleges-sexual-misconduct-727306 |date=November 30, 2017}}
Sil Lai Abrams, writer and activist{{cite news |last1=Real |first1=Evan |title=Russell Simmons Accuser Sil Lai Abrams Criticizes "Breakfast Club" for Giving Him a Platform |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/russell-simmons-accuser-slams-breakfast-club-giving-him-platform-1297880/ |date=June 10, 2020}}

=Resignation=

After the third assault allegation was published in a guest column by Jenny Lumet in The Hollywood Reporter in November 2017, Simmons stepped down from his roles in the label Def Jam Records, his yoga lifestyle brand, CNNMoney, and other media properties. Lumet, who is the daughter of filmmaker Sidney Lumet and the granddaughter of singer and civil rights activist Lena Horne, wrote: "As a woman of color, I cannot express how wrenching it is to write this about a successful man of color. ... I feel a pang to protect your daughters. I don't think you are inclined to protect mine."{{Cite news |last=Victor |first=Daniel |date=November 30, 2017 |title=Russell Simmons Steps Down From Businesses After Sexual Misconduct Report |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/30/arts/russell-simmons-sexual-harassment.html |access-date=December 8, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite magazine|first=Jenny|last=Lumet|author-link=Jenny Lumet|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/writer-jenny-lumet-russell-simmons-sexually-violated-me-guest-column-1062934|title=Writer Jenny Lumet: Russell Simmons Sexually Violated Me (Guest Column)|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 30, 2017}}{{Cite news|first=Chloe|last=Melas|url=https://money.cnn.com/2017/11/30/media/russell-simmons-sexual-assault-stepping-down-companies/index.html|title=Russell Simmons steps down after sexual assault allegation|work=CNNMoney|date=November 30, 2017|access-date=December 8, 2017}}

HBO decided to remove Russell Simmons' name from All Def Comedy, a series he created to launch and showcase emerging comedians. HBO has not removed his name from Def Comedy Jams.{{Cite news|first=Martha|last=Ross|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/11/30/russell-simmons-facing-third-assault-allegation-steps-down-from-companies/|title=HBO cuts ties with Russell Simmons after third assault allegation|newspaper=The Mercury News|publisher=Bay Area News Group|location=San Jose, California|date=November 30, 2017|access-date=December 8, 2017}}

= Documentary =

A documentary film about the sexual assault allegations against Simmons, On the Record, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2020, and was released on HBO Max on May 27, 2020.{{Cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/reviews/on-the-record-review-russell-simmons-drew-dixon-1203476329/|title='On the Record': Film Review|last=Gleiberman|first=Owen|date=January 26, 2020|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=February 2, 2020}} Oprah Winfrey withdrew as executive producer of the film, after having been pressured by Simmons to cancel the release,{{cite web|last=Lattanzio|first=Ryan|date=January 17, 2020|title=Oprah Says Russell Simmons Tried to Pressure Her to Drop Sex-Abuse Doc Headed for Sundance|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2020/01/oprah-russell-simmons-documentary-sundance-1202204149/|access-date=June 5, 2020|website=IndieWire}} eventually stating there were "inconsistencies" in Drew Dixon's story that "gave me pause". Winfrey has also said, however, that she believes the women who have accused Russell Simmons of sexual assault.

{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/oprah-s-russell-simmons-doc-withdrawal-angers-accusers-activists-1271572|title= Oprah's Russell Simmons Doc Withdrawal Rattles Accusers and Angers Activists| last1=Keegan|first1=Rebecca|last2=Siegel|first2=Tatiana|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|publisher=Eldridge Industries|location=Los Angeles, California|date=January 22, 2020}}{{Cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/17/movies/oprah-winfrey-russell-simmons-movie.html|title=Pressured by Simmons Over Exposé, Oprah Winfrey Faced a Big Decision|last1=Sisario|first1=Ben|last2=Sperling|first2=Nicole|work=The New York Times |date=January 17, 2020 }}

References

External links

{{IMDb name|5432}}
[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russell-simmons-documentary-oprah-says-decision-to-step-away-is-not-a-victory-for-media-mogul/ Oprah's decision to step away from Russell Simmons documentary is "not a victory" for him]

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