Yet another woman has accused Russell Simmons of rape. This time, budding filmmaker, Jennifer Jarosik, claims that Simmons attacked her in 2016 at his home in Beverly Hills, California. Jarosik is now seeking $5 million in damages.
New Accuser’s Claim Against Russell Simmons
In the lawsuit filed on Wednesday, the 37-year-old woman alleged that the music mogul invited her to his home for a meeting about a documentary project. Jarosik reportedly met Simmons in New York back in 2006, where they established a friendly rapport. She says that the two shared common interests including yoga, meditation, spirituality, and living a vegan lifestyle. Jarosik trusted and respected Simmons so that’s why she says took the meeting.
At some point after her arrival, Jarosik claims that Simmons asked her if she wanted to have sex with him, but she refused. But according to Jarosik, Simmons became aggressive and pushed her down on his bed. She then said that she hit her head and tried to fend him off, but Simmons “pounced on her while she was still in shock, in fear, and proceeded to rape her.”
Jennifer Jarosik Wiki: Interesting Facts About Her https://t.co/pjCBY8yLpL pic.twitter.com/m8MEAup6lN
— factsfive (@factsfive) January 25, 2018
Simmons Speaks Out & Shoots Down Accuser’s Claim
Like in every other charge lodged against him, Simmons adamantly denies Jarosik’s claims. He issued a statement, via his rep, to Rolling Stone on Wednesday, saying that he is eager to have his day in court and prove his innocence. Simmons owns his past mistakes, but he will not accept “responsibility for what (he) has not done.”
“This allegation is absolutely untrue,” Simmons said in his statement. “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. In the meantime, please understand that I will not litigate this matter in the media. I am confident that when all is said and all is done, it will be as clear to others as it is to me that I did not do what this lawsuit accuses me of doing.”
Jennifer Jarosik Writer – Russell Simmons Sued For Rape https://t.co/U7FXjmWFQl pic.twitter.com/msiZAbuRnP
— Empire BBK (@EmpireBBK) January 25, 2018
Accuser’s Attorney Throws Jab At Simmons
Jarosik’s attorney told Billboard that the music industry has a long-standing and deep-rooted problem with misogyny and discrimination against women. He said that it’s time for the hip hop community to “face the music.”
“It’s not enough to apologize and step away from your business, convert a yoga studio to a nonprofit and still draw a salary and be worth $500 million and do nothing but apologize. As James Franco said, ‘if I need to make restitution I’ll do that,'” attorney Perry C. Wander said in the statement. “Mr. Simmons practices meditation, yoga and is a long time vegan practicing non violence against animals. So basically he treats animals better than women. The hypocrisy has to stop now.”
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