In what now seems to be a daily growing list of celebrity sexual assault allegations, music icon, Russell Simmons, has just been thrown into the mix. On Sunday (11-19-2017), a model named, Keri Claussen Khalighi, told the L.A. Times that she was 17 years old when the Def Jam mogul allegedly sexually assaulted her 26 years ago, while his friend and business associate, film/video director, Brett Ratner watched. Both Simmons and Ratner deny this.
Model’s Claims Against Simmons
In 1991, Khalighi went to dinner with Simmons and Ratner at New York’s famous Mr. Chow’s. She claims that they then invited her back to Simmons’ apartment to watch a music video they were in the pre-production phase of and that’s when Khalighi says Simmons started pulling off her clothes:
“I looked over at Brett and said ‘help me’ and I’ll never forget the look on his face,” she recalled. “In that moment, the realization fell on me that they were in it together.”
Although Khalighi confessed that she voluntarily performed oral sex on Russell Simmons, she says that she did not want to have vaginal sex with him. Here’s what she claims happened next though:
Khalighi said that Simmons, who was then about twice her age, tried to force her to have intercourse. “I fought it wildly,” she said. He eventually relented and coerced her to perform oral sex, she alleged. “I guess I just acquiesced.” Ratner, meanwhile, “just sat there and watched,” she said. Feeling “disgusting,” Khalighi said she went to take a shower. Minutes later, she alleged, Simmons walked up behind her in the shower and briefly penetrated her without her consent. She said she jerked away, then he left. “It hurt so much.” -Via L.A. Times
Russell Simmons Strongly Denies Claims, Gives More Details
Soon after Khalighi’s claims surfaced Sunday morning, Simmons immediately posted a lengthy Facebook message denying her claims. He stated that the sexual contact between him and Khalighi was 100% consensual (FYI: The legal age of sexual consent in N.Y. is 17) and that he is “shocked” by her allegations 26 years later. He also revealed that at that time Khalighi voluntarily stayed at his apartment with him for two days and they also went to several public places during her visit and that he has “multipe witnesses” to dispute the model’s claims. See what else he said below:
Statement of Russell Simmons in Response to LA Times Article
As a long-time social activist, I have applauded the strength of the brave men and women who have spoken out over the past month and made their voices heard regarding sexual assault and harassment. I am a supporter of the #MeToo campaign and the victims who were previously terrified to stand up and speak out against sexual misconduct. I completely and unequivocally deny the horrendous allegations of non-consensual sex against me with every fiber of my being.
I know Keri Claussen Khalighi and remember the weekend in 1991 that she has referenced. Everything that happened between us 26 years ago was completely consensual and with Keri’s full participation. We spent time in my apartment over a period of two days and one night, as well as at some public places including Nell’s Nightclub. Much of the time we were in the presence of other acquaintances. I’m deeply saddened and truly shocked to learn of Keri’s assertions as to what happened over the course of that weekend.
Let me be crystal clear and very direct. Abusing women in any way shape or form violates the very core of my being. I have always spoken out regarding my life experiences, women’s issues and the need to bring a faster and more decisive shift in the collective consciousness that will help bring about true women’s equality. More than anything, I want my daughters to live in a more equal world and a world where they will not become victims of sexual harassment.
The LA Times article also references an allegation by Ms. Tanya Reid. I mean no disrespect to her at all when I say I honestly do not recall my telephone conversation with a hotel front desk clerk from over a quarter-century ago.
In addition, there were multiple witnesses during the entire weekend. Three of their statements were provided to LA Times prior to publication.
Ratner Denies Model’s Claims
Brett Ratner, who is Serena Wiliams’ ex-boyfriend, denies Keri Khalighi’s claims against Simmons as well:
Ratner had “no recollection” of Khalighi asking him for help and denied witnessing her “protest,” his attorney Martin Singer said.
Thoughts ILOSM fam?’
