Russell Simmons all but said the rape and sexual assault allegations against him are untrue because he simply doesn't have it in him.
TMZ spoke with Simmons on Saturday and asked if he thinks he will be vindicated, referring to a series of sexual assault and rape accusations. His response? "I don't have a stitch of violence in me. I would never hurt anybody. I never had any violence in me. But you know, it's a difficult time for everybody."
At the end of TMZ's video, the music mogul climbed into a car with his date, who smooched him multiple times for all the paparazzi to see (and photograph).
Okay then.
Simmons has been accused of sexual misconduct by 12 women, including screenwriter Jenny Lumet, fashion publicist Kelly Cutrone, and Insecure actress Amanda Seales. Simmons has denied these allegations and is currently being investigated by the NYPD for two claims. He is also facing a $5 million lawsuit.
In December, he announced a plan to defend himself against the allegations in an Instagram post, after stepping down from his business in November. He wrote, "Today, I begin to properly defend myself. I will prove without any doubt that I am innocent of all rape charges." He said he will provide evidence to disprove Lumet's claim that he raped her in 1991.
In a January statement to Rolling Stone, he wrote, "These horrific accusations have shocked me to my core. I am blessed to have shared extraordinary relationships, whether through work or love, with many great women; and I have enormous respect for the women’s movement worldwide and their struggle for respect, dignity, equality, and power. I am devastated by any reason I may have given to anyone to say or think of me in the ways that are currently being described. I have already apologized for the instances of thoughtlessness in my relationships with women."
In February, Foxy Brown came to the defense of Simmons in an open letter. She wrote, "...as inarguably, Russell’s biggest Def Jam female protege (who birthed an era of overtly evocative stars), the man I’ve known and loved was nothing more than the respectful, respected, gentleman and GODFATHER OF HIP-HOP we’ve all adored. In staunch support, Praying for you Russ!” Kimora Lee Simmons, his ex-wife, stood up for him as well.
Simmons recently fled to Bali, which he announced again in an Instagram post that stated he was "temporarily closed for spiritual maintenance."
