Russell Simmons Must Face Def Jam Exec’s R*pe Lawsuit After Judge Rejects Indonesia Residency Argument

Russell Simmons

Russell Simmons Must Face Def Jam Exec’s R*pe Lawsuit After Judge Rejects Indonesia
Residency Argument

Russell Simmons will have to continue fighting a r*pe lawsuit in New York after a judge ruled that his move to Indonesia does not shield him from the case.

On Tuesday, June 16, New York Supreme Court Judge Adam Silvera rejected Simmons’ latest attempt to dismiss the civil lawsuit filed by a former Def Jam executive, identified as Jane Doe. She alleges Simmons r*ped her in his New York apartment in the 1990s while she was there to get approval for a music video.

“The complaint alleges the defendant committed the tort of rape in New York state,” the judge wrote. “[In New York], a court may exercise personal jurisdiction over any non-domiciliary who commits a tortious act within the state, except as to a cause of action for defamation. Therefore, the complaint survives the motion to dismiss stage.”

Simmons’ attorneys also argued that Doe released any claims in a 1997 severance agreement, but her lawyers called the document a “sham” and said her signature was forged. The judge found a “genuine dispute as to its authenticity.”

Simmons has denied all wrongdoing.