After multiple women accused Def Jam founder Russell Simmons of rape and sexual misconduct — which he denied in a long statement to The New York Times Wednesday —Simmons deleted his Twitter account and posted a statement on Instagram Thursday. View the post below.
“Today, I begin to properly defend myself,” he wrote. “I will prove without any doubt that I am innocent of all rape charges. Today, I will focus on ‘The Original Sin’ (Keri Claussen), the claim that created this insane pile on of my #MeToo. Stay tuned! We’ll share evidence today… And tomorrow the case of Jenny Lumet. My intention is not to diminish the #MeToo movement in anyway, but instead hold the accusers accountable. #NotMe.”
Today, I begin to properly defend myself. I will prove without any doubt that I am innocent of all rape charges. Today, I will focus on “The Original Sin” (Keri Claussen), the claim that created this insane pile on of my #MeToo. Stay tuned! We’ll share information today… And tomorrow the case of Jenny Lumet. My intention is not to diminish the #MeToo movement in anyway, but instead hold my accusers accountable. #NotMe Again, this is not a movement against or even in conjunction with #Metoo . It’s just a statement about my innocence.
In an article published Wednesday, three women told the New York Times that they were raped by Simmons in incidents dating back to 1988. The LA Times has also reported accounts from five new women dating back to the 1980s.
Tina Baker, a singer, alleged that Simmons raped her in the early 1990s, when he was her manager. Drew Dixon claimed that Simmons sexually harassed and then raped her when she was an employee of Def Jam Recordings in 1995. Toni Sallie, a music journalist, said that Simmons raped her in 1988.
Simmons denied the allegations in a statement saying:
“These new stories range from patently untrue to frivolous and hurtful claims. I want to restate categorically what I have said previously: I have never been violent or abusive to any women in any way at any time in my entire life.”
Swipe left for full statement.
Keep up with the latest trending music news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
The post Russell Simmons Deletes Twitter Account Amid 5 More Rape Allegations appeared first on PRO MOTION Music News.
