Russell Simmons has spoken out in defense of Taraji P. Henson in response to backlash the actress has received for visiting him in Bali.
via: Page Six
Russell Simmons said he wants fans to stop “attacking” his celebrity friends who visit him in Bali after he fled the US in the midst of rape and sexual misconduct accusations.
“Black people, did you forget that I got 10,000 black men out of jail? … And that I registered more of you to vote than probably anybody you know?” the music executive said on Instagram Live, according to a video posted by Live Bitez Tuesday.
“And I worked for Black Lives Matter and every movement that’s helped our people — all the women’s rights and even gay rights movements that I did so much work for.”
Simmons, 66, continued, “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.”
The Def Jam Recordings co-founder said the idea that he is “hiding is stupid” and shared that he will be in New York next week.
“I call the paparazzi on myself every time I’m there. I have an office. … I’m there all the time. I work out of New York sometimes, but I live here. I live here to heal people … and to give them spiritual and mental rejuvenation,” he explained.
“So just attacking people who visit me — you have no idea who all have been here — are you under some kind of tricknology? Are you lost? I’m your friend, black people, and I’ve been my whole life a supporter of all the initiatives that lift you up.”
Simmons then claimed he has never spoken to a policeman or a judge about any crimes of which he has been accused.
“From what I can tell, Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, President Trump, all have more credible claims against them than I do if you ask Oprah [Winfrey],” he said.
“I’ve never been charged with — who took nine lie detector tests? … Did Bill Clinton do that? Did Joe Biden do that? Did President Trump do that? Knock it off. I love you. I just don’t want my friends attacked … just leave my friends alone. Don’t attack them for visiting me. Attack friends for visiting Trump; he’s been convicted.”
Several stars have faced backlash for visiting Simmons in Bali, including Usher, MC Lyte, Taraji P. Henson and LisaRaye McCoy.
The hip-hop mogul left America to live in Bali in 2017 after being accused of rape and sexual misconduct by multiple women. He was also the subject of “On the Record,” a 2020 documentary centered on the allegations of sexual abuse and harassment against him.
Simmons, who has two daughters with ex-wife Kimora Lee Simmons, previously denied ever forcing himself on anyone.
In February, a former music video producer sued Russell for allegedly raping her in the ’90s.
The woman, who was identified as Jane Doe in court documents, alleged in her lawsuit that the dad of two had pinned her down on his bed and raped her when she visited his Manhattan apartment to get his approval for a rough cut of a video.
Russell did not publicly respond to Jane Doe’s claims, and his rep did not return Page Six’s request for comment.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
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