Russell Simmons' ex-wife, Kimora Lee Simmons, has finally addressed the sexual-misconduct allegations which have been piling up against him since late November.
Simmons, 60, has been accused of sexual misconduct ranging from assault to rape by 11 women on the record, including model Keri Claussen Khaligi, fashion publicist Kelly Cutrone and writer Jenny Lumet.
Many of the incidents in question took place in the 1990s before the Simmons marriage in 1998, though a new lawsuit filed this week by accuser Jennifer Jarosik, who says he raped her, expands the timeline to 2016, seven years after their divorce.
On Thursday night, Kimora Lee Simmons posted a statement on Instagram, writing, "I add my voice to the chorus of those speaking out against sexual harassment in all its forms."
The model-turned-fashion designer, who has two daughters with him, noted, "I have known Russell for over 25 years. We were close friends, married, divorced and have remained friends, co-parents and partners throughout it all."
She concluded, "These allegations against him are nothing like the person I have known in all that time. I have known him to be a caring and supporting father and someone who has worked tirelessly to uplift disenfranchised communities."
On Wednesday, Simmons released a statement through his representative Eric Rose denying the allegation made by Jarosik: "This allegation is absolutely untrue. I look forward to having my day in court — where, unlike the court of public opinion, I will have the ability to make use of fair processes that ensure that justice will be done and that the full truth will be known."
The rap mogul and philanthropist stepped away from his businesses and charities in November in order to avoid being "a distraction." He has since mounted a #NotMe defense on social media.
In December, the New York Police Department confirmed they were investigating allegations against him.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2018/01/26/kimora-lee-simmons-addresses-sexual-misconduct-allegations-against-ex-russell-simmons/1068686001/
