In the wake of the #MeToo movement, several women have come out against Def Jam founder Russell Simmons, accusing the hip hop icon of various levels of sexual misconduct, including rape. One of his accusers, Jennifer Jarosik, detailed his alleged assault against her on The Today Show, but Simmons is now fighting back with evidence he believes proves their encounters were always consensual.
In legal documents obtained by TMZ, Simmons claims he and Jarosik maintained a casual relationship for over a decade, which occasionally included sex. To prove their encounters were consensual, the Queens native shared messages and unsolicited nude photos from his accuser with authorities. One of the nude photos in question was sent to Simmons after the alleged rape Jarosik discussed on Today.
He also claims his accuser has a “propensity to exaggerate” and suffers from “untreated mental health issues.”
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Born and raised in Compton, California, Jessica Bennett began her career as an intern at The Oakland Post, and later, The Source Magazine. She went on to write for respected hip hop publications such as DJ Booth and Hip Hop DX before becoming the Urban Editor of pop culture website, Wetpaint.com. She joined Ebony as the Entertainment Editor August 2017. Bennett has interviewed such names as Vanessa Williams, Spike Lee, Tyra Banks, Forest Whitaker, Magic & Cookie Johnson and several others.