Russell Simmons Finally Pays Sexual Misconduct Settlements

Russell Simmons has lastly resolved a monetary dispute with three of his sexual misconduct accusers, who he had allegedly did not pay out agreed settlements to for greater than a 12 months. The ladies, Wendy Franco, Sil Lai Abrams, and Sherri Abernathy, claimed in courtroom paperwork in 2024 that the Def Jam co-founder nonetheless owed them over $3 million in agreements from 2023. Their legal professional lately advised Rolling Stone that “the matter has been resolved.” No extra particulars had been offered.

Talking with the outlet again in April, Franco mentioned of Simmons’ delay in cost: “It was devastating. I simply felt so silly that I believed this individual would observe via, that I believed that somebody who may do what he did would flip round and acknowledge me and make some kind of amends. You uncovered your self to this, and now this individual once more reveals you that it doesn’t matter to him.” 

Franco has not detailed her particular allegations towards Simmons publicly, however her settlement paperwork references “bodily accidents and illness.” Abernathy, then again, alleges that Simmons raped her in 1983. Abrams additional alleges that Simmons raped her in 1994.

Russell Simmons has denied the allegations towards him on a number of events. Earlier this 12 months, he filed a defamation lawsuit towards HBO over the documentary, On The Report. The movie detailed allegations of sexual abuse towards Simmons again in 2020. He’s searching for $20 million within the case.

“Regardless of voluminous help for Mr Simmons within the type of credible info, persuasive proof, witness statements, and requires additional investigation by notable members of the media, politics, and the civil rights motion, the defendants merely disregarded it, and launched, and proceed to re-release globally, a movie that tremendously disparaged and broken Mr Simmons with salacious and defamatory accusations that he vehemently denies,” Simmons’ authorized staff mentioned on the time, based on The Guardian.

HBO’s father or mother firm, Warner Bros Discovery, has denied any wrongdoing relating to the movie. “We dispute Mr Simmons’ allegations, stand by the film-makers and their course of, and can vigorously defend ourselves towards these unfounded allegations,” an organization spokesperson advised Deadline.