As of today, nine women have accused Russell Simmons of sexual assault while four of those women have accused him of rape. CNN reports that the NYPD has opened a case to investigate these allegations and have full right to do so, even if the women have not come to them directly.
An attorney for the former Def Jam CEO released a statement saying "Russell Simmons fully supports and will cooperate with the police inquiry and is confident of a swift resolution." Yesterday Russell shared a photo to his Instagram - since his Twitter has been deactivated - that showed a picture reading "#NOTME." His caption detailed how he will "begin to properly defend" himself in light of these claims.
When these stories about Rusell were taking over headlines, he stated how "these horrific accusations have shocked" him to his core adding that all of his relationships with women have been nothing but consensual.
