NYPD says it is reviewing rape claims against Russell Simmons
NEW YORK -- The New York Police Department said Wednesday that it has reviewed rape claims against music mogul Russell Simmons and is reviewing those claims. The comment came one day after The New York Times published claims by three women, including a former Def Jam executive, that he raped them.
In a statement sent to CBS New York, Simmons vehemently denied what he called "these horrific accusations" and wrote that "all of my relations have been consensual."
The allegations in the Times' Wednesday report stem from the 1980s and 1990s. Simmons denied the allegations Wednesday and again on Thursday.
"Today, I begin to properly defend myself. I will prove without any doubt that I am innocent of all rape charges," Simmons wrote Thursday on Instagram.
But on Thursday, fashion publicist Kelly Cutrone told Page Six that Simmons allegedly tried to rape her in 1991. "The #NotMe thing? I'm going to do a #YeahYou," she told Page Six.
Simmons posted his words under a photo that read #NotMe, explaining that he isn't trying to going against the anti-harassment movement #MeToo, where millions have shared their stories about being sexually harassed and assaulted.
"My intention is not to diminish the #MeToo movement in any way, but instead hold my accusers accountable," he wrote. "Again, this is not a movement against or even in conjunction with #MeToo. It's just a statement about my innocence."
The allegations in the Times story weren't the first to hit Simmons. Model Keri Claussen Khalighi said Simmons coerced her to perform a sex act and later penetrated her without her consent in 1991. Simmons said the sex with Klalighi was consensual.
"Today, I will focus on 'The Original Sin' (Keri Claussen), the claim that created this insane pile," Simmons wrote on Instagram. "Stay tuned! We'll share information today."
He also said "and tomorrow the case of Jenny Lumet," referring to the screenwriter who said Simmons had sex with her more than two decades ago despite her repeated demands that he stop. Simmons said he had a different memory of the night but apologized. Following Lumet's claims, HBO said it would edit out any link to Simmons in its "All Def Comedy" show.
Simmons founded Def Jam Recordings with mega-producer Rick Rubin in 1984. It made stars of such hip-hop artists as LL Cool J, Slick Rick, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy.