Russell Simmons is pulling out all the stops and has decided to “properly defend” himself against multiple allegations of rape. He took to Instagram on Thursday with a post announcing once again that he is innocent and intends to prove it. Simmons has launched a #NotMe hashtag which has set Twitter ablaze.
“Today, I begin to properly defend myself. I will prove without any doubt that I am innocent of all rape charges,” Simmons wrote. “I will focus on ‘The Original Sin’ (Keri Claussen), the claim that created this insane pile on of my #MeToo. Stay tuned! We’ll share information today… And tomorrow the case of Jenny Lumet.”
Now, some people are wondering if Simmons is making a huge mistake. As common procedure, the NYPD has opened an investigation into some of the charges against him. Twitter’s responses to the music mogul’s new campaign would suggest that he is committing suicide in the court of public opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcr6U8AgyNL/
“I refuse to believe this man has a PR team,” Raqueletta Moss (@CeePaul) wrote. “Because #notme has got to be the absolute worst possible move someone could make under these circumstances.”
https://twitter.com/CeePaul/status/941429872626405376
While Simmons said that he doesn’t intend to hijack the #MeToo movement and diminish it, some residents of Twitterville are not here for it.
Russell Simmons has been accused of sexual violence by 7+ women now and he decides to start #NotMe. Nah you piece of shit #YesYou. There is an insidious nature to do something like this, to derail a movement that has empowered so many women to absolve oneself of responsibility.
— (FKA @ItsWalela- Plz read Pinned) (@BIPOCHousing_MA) December 15, 2017
“Russell Simmons first apologized for ‘insensitivity’ to harassment and rape charges and stepped down from his positions,” Jules (@JW4Resistance) wrote. “But yesterday he used the hashtag #NotMe, which is not only a repudiation of the charges but also a shameless attempt to reassign the #MeToo movement. No.”
Russell Simmons first apologized for “insensitivity” to harassment and rape charges and stepped down from his positions.
But yesterday he used the hashtag #NotMe, which is not only a repudiation of the charges but also a shameless attempt to reassign the #MeToo movement.
No.
— Jules (@ImJulesWard) December 15, 2017
Citing the article in Variety about Simmons claims of innocence, Michaela Angela Davis responded to his #Not Me hashtag with a “not now.”
“Yo, #NotMe? Really? Not Now, son. Black women are the most vulnerable and violated,” Davis said.
https://twitter.com/MichaelaAngelaD/status/941445993991516161
Publicist, Kelly Cutrone, who claims that she fought off Simmons’ attempt to rape her in 1991, got wind of Simmons’ #NotMe campaign and told Page Six exactly what she thought of it.
“The #NotMe thing? I’m going to do a #YeahYou. F*ck you,” Cutrone said.
#MeToo #YesYou pic.twitter.com/xgMrYRZoC4
— Kelly Cutrone (@kellycutrone) December 15, 2017
Simmons Wants Lie Detector Tests For Himself & His Accusers
While there are many who believe that Simmons has a right to face his accusers and defend himself, the #NotMe hashtag, others believe it seems hostile and comes across as a slap in the face to those who have told their #MeToo stories. Against his attorneys’ advice, he has even started taking lie detector tests and has challenged his accusers to do the same. Simmons wants to hold his accusers accountable, but this strategy may very well backfire in his face. At the same time though, IF he is being wrongly accused, shouldn’t he have an equal right to fight back against the claims in however he sees fit? Just a thought, that’s all. Anyways, here’s what his attorneys had to say…
Simmons Attorneys Speak Out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp7z_71SZ-8&feature=youtu.be
Thoughts ILOSM fam?’
