It seem that in 2017 the sexual assault allegations in the entertainment industry have been spreading like wild fire. Def Jam founder Russell Simmons has been hit with an additional sexual assault this one involving award-winning screenwriter Jenny Lumet.
Lumet’s allegations stem from the late 1980’s. Lumet says she never gave any indication she was interested in a romantic relationship with Simmons. So she was shocked when Simmons, after offering to give her a ride home from a New York City restaurant she frequented, directed the car’s driver to ignore her requests to be dropped off at her home.
“I got into the car with you, The driver began to drive. I assumed you knew where I lived, because you had sent me 250 balloons, but I gave the driver my address on 19th Street and 2nd Avenue” Lemet says.
Once in the apartment, Lumet explains the moment Simmons allegedly forced himself upon her in an elevator after she told him, “Wait.” He didn’t respond to her apparent call to stop his advances, and eventually, she went into the apartment with Simmons, where she felt she was required to perform sexual acts to ensure her safety.
After these claims went public on The Hollywood Reporter Simmons released this statement that he is stepping down from his companies.
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
