Yesterday news leaked that two of the 13 women accusing Russell Simmons of sexual misconduct had filed criminal complaints against him [click here if you missed that].
Russell staunchly denies the accusations...
In a statement sent to the media Russell insists,
"I vehemently deny all these allegations. These horrific accusations have shocked me to my core. I am blessed to have shared extraordinary relationships, whether through work or love, with many great women; and I have enormous respect for the women’s movement worldwide and their struggle for respect, dignity, equality and power. I am devastated by any reason I may have given to anyone to say or think of me in the ways that are currently being described. The presumption of innocent until proven guilty must not be replaced by “Guilty by Accusation.”
"I have already apologized for the instances of thoughtlessness in my relationships with women. I have separated myself from my businesses and charities in order to not become a distraction. I have re-dedicated myself to spiritual learning, healing and working on behalf of the communities to which I have devoted my life. I have conducted my life with a message of peace and love. Although I have been candid about how I have lived in books and interviews detailing my flaws, I will not accept responsibility for what I have not done."
