Never committed any act of aggression in my life: Russell Simmons

TV producer and co-founder of Def Jam Recordings Russell Simmons, who was accused of sexual assault and harassment by model Keri Claussen Khalighi, has pleaded innocence by saying he has never committed any acts of aggression or violence in his life.

Simmons has penned a letter to The Hollywood Reporter in response to the accusations against him. He has spoken in support of the women who have come out strongly against any sexual harassment they may have faced in Hollywood.

He wrote: "As a yogi, I believe intent is very important. My intent always came from a joyful, playful place. I can sleep at night because I know who I am. And I know who I was. I never committed any acts of aggression or violence in my life. I would never knowingly cause fear or harm to anyone. For any women from my past who I may have offended, I sincerely apologize. I am still evolving.

"As the dialogue progresses, let's not lose sight of what's truly happening, a shift in power and all that entails. I want that shift. It must lead to a space where women and also men can heal, even if it means attacking me. I remain an activist for women's rights and all things unjust."

Talking about his own case, he said three witnesses --Anthony McNair and two anonymous witnesses -- have signed statements that the experiences "that weekend with Keri Claussen Khalighi 26 years ago were consensual".

Khalighi had claimed that when she was a fashion model aged 17, she had met Simmons and Brett Ratner at a casting call. She said that on one night, after dinner, they took her back to Simmons' apartment, apparently to show her a music video they had been working on, but Simmons began making aggressive sexual advances and tore off her clothes.

Simmons has defended himself.

"My longtime loathing of any form of violence and abuse has been woven into all of my personal interactions, as most who know me will attest.

"In our meeting many years later, and subsequent conversations, Keri never accused me of what she has said publicly. She insisted I was not violent. She did tell me her boyfriend and many others found out about our long weekend together and she said she was ashamed by that discovery. I am sorry for the embarrassment she recounted to me.

"I have made choices that have offended some of the women in my life. It's not cool to be a playboy and a new consciousness understands this. Now, as I hear these voices, I do as well. Though never abusive in any way, my remarks were often cavalier and thoughtless, and for this I am humbled. I am a work in progress. I am human. The fact that I come from the world of music or a specific place or generation justifies nothing," Simmons added in the letter.

Simmons further said: "To all the #MeToo campaigns and women around the world, I support your healing and will continue to be an honest and imperfect advocate for the voiceless (including animals) and humanity as a whole."

He said he does not doubt the "vast majority of the allegations these brave survivors are sharing are true and dignified".

"I see their stories giving a voice to the voiceless, which has been the central theme of my life's journey. I also know from recent painful personal experience that some recollections can be cast in a light away from the actual facts."

--IANS

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