Wait What! Russell Simmons Sued for $5 Million Over Alleged Rape
TMZ reports that in addition to the numerous sexual assault allegations against him, Russell Simmons is now being sued by a woman who claims he sexually assaulted her in 2016.
READ THE FULL DOCUMENT OF THE LAWSUIT HERE VIA TMZ
In the lawsuit, the woman, Jennifer Jarosik, says Simmons sexually assaulted her after inviting her to his home in 2016. The two met 10 years prior, in 2006, and she says they became friends, bonding over their love of yoga, meditation and vegan lifestyle.
After inviting her to his home, Jarosik claims Simmons became aggressive, propositioning her for sex, and pushing her onto his bed. When she refused and fought back, he allegedly knocked her off the bed, hit her in the head, and raped her.
Jarosik says she was “sick, sore, lame, disabled and disordered, both internally and externally and suffered from extreme emotional distress.” Her lawsuit seeks $5 million in punitive damages and unspecified actual damages, according to documents obtained by TMZ.
At least 14 women have come forward to accuse Simmons of sexual misconduct, with accusations ranging from sexual harassment to rape. In November, Simmons stepped down from his businesses.
In a statement to Pitchfork, Simmons denied the most recent allegations put forth in the lawsuit.
“This allegation is absolutely untrue,” his statement reads.” 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.”
