Russell Simmons stepping down from his companies after sex assault allegations

(RNN) – Russell Simmons, the creator of Def Jam, is stepping down from his companies in the wake of two sexual assault accusations, Variety wrote.

Simmons said he did not want to be a distraction for his companies and added they will be run by a “new and diverse generation” of executives “who will move the culture and the consciousness forward.”

“As for me, I will step aside and commit myself to my personal growth, spiritual healing, and above all, to listening,” he wrote.

Writer Jenny Lumet accused Simmons of forcing her to have sex with him in 1991 in a guest column in the Hollywood Reporter written in the form of a letter. She said Simmons gave her a ride home from a restaurant and began forcing himself on her in the car, then, with the help of the driver, took her to her apartment and forced her to have sex with him.

Lumet is the daughter of director Sidney Lumet and wrote the screenplay for the 2008 film “Rachel Getting Married.”

Simmons later apologized to her, but said he did not recall the incident as she did.

“While I have never been violent, I have been thoughtless and insensitive in some of my relationships over many decades and I sincerely and humbly apologize,” he said.

He was also accused of a 1991 sexual assault by model Keri Claussen Khalighi, who was 17 at the time. Simmons denied that in an article in the Los Angeles Times.

Copyright 2017 Raycom News Network. All rights reserved.

Local News

Jennifer Vaughan Ansley Real Estate, Christie’s International sponsors 2025 Heart and Soul Gala

Local News

CGTC EAGLE delegate named regional finalist

Local News

Second Harvest February food distribution Feb. 15

Local News

GWM 4th Annual Writers Retreat next month

Local News

TONI SAYS: The difference between long- and short-term care plans

Local News

BBB: How to recognize phony debt collection calls and texts 

Local News

Monthly real estate market update for Lake Oconee area – January 2025

Columns

Columns

ON THE MARKET: Complacency

Local News

Putnam native, aspiring Broadway director takes on first with ‘The Color Purple’ production

Local News

Rotary Week 51 raffle winner

Local News

Rotary Week 50 raffle winner

Local News

Piedmont Athens Regional Beautiful You Boutique receives reaccreditation

Local News

Greene Chamber of Commerce welcomes Jessi Lynch

Local News

Outdoor Innovations of Georgia joins as sponsor for the 2025 Heart and Soul Gala

Local News

BBB offers tips on choosing a tax preparer

News

Rotary Club announces Greene County STAR student

Local News

Rotary Week 49 raffle winner

Local News

Rotary Week 48 raffle

Local News

Rotary Club honors January 2025 Students-of-the-Month

Columns

PATHWAYS TO HEALING: Brain health

Local News

PAPA announces ‘On Golden Pond’ auditions

Local News

Our Father’s Kitchen: Serving the Community with Love and Nourishment every Saturday

Local News

OPAS celebrates thrilling fall season and announces exciting Mardi Gras event