After new sexual abuse allegations from writer Jenny Lumet, mogul Russell Simmons has announced that he is stepping down from his group of companies according to a statement released by ABC News via twitter.
NEW: Russell Simmons stepping aside from his companies following sexual misconduct allegation: “I will step aside and commit myself to continuing my personal growth, spiritual learning and above all to listening.” pic.twitter.com/SXu7Jo5onP
— ABC News (@ABC) November 30, 2017
The announcement followed previous allegations from former model Keri Claussen Khalighi who said the Def Jam Recordings co-founder victimized her back in 1991 when she was just 17.
Simmons has insisted the sexual contact with Khalihi was consensual. After The Hollywood Reporter released Lumet’s detailed allegations on Simmons, Russell has announced his step down to “commit myself to continuing my personal growth, spiritual learning and above all to listening.”
