TMZ seems to have a tent set up outside of Craig's in West Hollywood. They really skip a beat in their coverage of celebs piling in and out. This time around, they were fortunate to record a response from Def Jam cofounder Russell Simmons.
Simmons has been mired in scandal over rape and sexual assault allegations tabled in December. 3 ex-employees came out, corroborating each other's stories of abuse. The unanimity of their statements highlighted a possible pattern of "violent sexual behaviour" by the hip hop mogul towards his female subjects.
His conversation with a TMZ field reporter presented him with a opportunity to give his side of the story, albeit briefly.
"I don't have a stitch of violence in me. I would never hurt anybody. I have never had any violence in me, but this is a difficult time for everyone."
Simmons voluntarily took a polygraph test in December, to prove his innocence. However, the case is still subject to further inquiries, as more victims have add their names to a growing list. 12 in total as of this writing.
See for yourself, as Russell seals his night out with a kiss from his dinner date.