Russell Simmons has stepped down as the head of his various businesses amid sexual assault allegations. Screenwriter Jenny Lumet claims she was sexually assaulted by Simmons in 1991, when she was 24. Lumet said:
"You didn’t punch me, drag me or verbally threaten me. You used your size to maneuver me, quickly, into the elevator. I said “Wait. Wait.” I felt dread. I was very, very sad."
Not long after the allegations, Russell released a statement, saying:
"...While her memory of that evening is very different from mine, it is now clear to me that her feelings of fear and intimidation are real. While I have never been violent, I have been thoughtless and insensitive in some of my relationships over many decades and I sincerely and humbly apologize."
Russell has now released another statement, saying he is officially stepping aside as the head of his various businesses. Russell said:
“...I will step aside and commit myself to continuing my personal growth, spiritual learning, and, above all, to listening.”