Russell Simmons Lists What He’s Done For The Black Community + Responds To Backlash Over Celebrity Friends Visiting Him In Bali Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Russell Simmons Lists What He’s Done For The Black Community + Responds To Backlash Over Celebrity Friends Visiting Him In Bali Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Russell Simmons is setting the record straight amid backlash over his high-profile friends visiting him in Bali, following numerous sexual assault allegations against him.

The 66-year-old entrepreneur took to social media to go live and clarify whether he is hiding out in Bali amid the claims against him, as well as the criticism his famous friends have faced for visiting him during the controversy.

Russell Simmons

Regarding his contributions to the Black community amidst the “attacks” on him and his friends, Russell Simmons stated:

“Black people, did you forget that I got 10,000 Black men out of jail and that I changed the factory farming industry… forever and that I registered more of you to vote than probably anybody you know? I worked for BLM and every movement that helped our people. All the women’s rights and even gay rights… to let them demonize me in such a way that my friends cannot visit me without you attacking them, but yet you stand next to Donald Trump. Knock it off.”

He continued to deny that he is hiding out in Bali, where he resides, stating that he is accessible and visible every time he returns to New York:

“I’ll be in New York next week. This idea that I’m hiding is stupid. I call the paparazzi on myself every time I’m there. I have an office on Wilshire Blvd; I’m there all the time. I work out in NY sometimes, but I live here [Bali].”

Russell Simmons says he is a friend of the Black community after fans insult his friends pic.twitter.com/rVlzK9b7FN

— livebitez (@livebitez) August 20, 2024

This follows years of scandal involving allegations of sexual assault by several women. One prominent accuser, Jenny Lumet—a screenwriter and daughter of director Sidney Lumet—alleged in 2017 that Simmons sexually assaulted her in 1991.

Jenny Lumet

In 2020, Jenny Lumet, along with more than 20 other women, was featured in the HBO Max documentary On the Record, which focused on allegations of sexual assault and harassment against Russell Simmons.

Since the accusations, several celebrity friends, including Usher and Taraji P. Henson, have visited Russell Simmons in Bali, sparking significant backlash.

Usher, Russell Simmons

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