Russell Simmons Says He's Not A "Monster": "I Don't Feel That I Victimized Them"

BYErika Marie3.1K Views
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Russell Simmons, Allegations, The Breakfast Club
Russell Simmons shared that he took and passed "nine separate three-hour lie detector tests."

When DJ Envy of The Breakfast Club shared yesterday that Russell Simmons would be joining the show on Wednesday (June 10), there was a little pushback from the public. Not everyone was happy to hear about the interview, especially Sil Lai Abrams, a woman who accused Russell Simmons of raping her back in 1994. She took to her Twitter account to call out The Breakfast Club and its hosts, calling them "rape apologists" in her tweet.

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During Simmons's video conference appearance, the Def Jam icon refuted claims that he behaved inappropriately. "I could never say that someone doesn't feel victimized," Russell Simmons said. "Thirty years ago... These stories are twenty-five to forty-years-old. I can't say someone doesn't feel victimized. I can tell you that I don't feel that I victimized them. And how can I say that? I took nine separate three-hour lie detector tests by two separate teachers. Polygraph. So I just want to share that. They're available to you. I just wanted to say that, and I don't know what else to say other than I feel terrible."

Then, Simmons said that during Oprah Winfrey's investigation, he read a report by one woman and said he "believed her." He stated, "She said she got in the car and the car door locked. My first instinct was sh*t, the car doors lock in 1990. Cadillacs. So, it was a misunderstanding as far as I can tell. But I believe her. But I also passed nine tests because I believe me." Russell Simmons added that while he does feel terrible for the women who were "victimized." he isn't the "monster" that people are painting him out to be. Check out Simmons's explanation below and let us know if you watched the controversial On the Record documentary.

About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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