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Tag: Russell Simmons

  • Russell Simmons Denies Epstein Ties in New Interview

    Russell Simmons is stepping into the spotlight to address the persistent rumors linking him to Jeffrey Epstein. In a recent interview on ‘Podcast and Chill,’ the music mogul directly tackled speculation about his connection to the convicted sex offender, offering his explanation for why his name appeared in the infamous Epstein files.

    Explaining His Name in the Files

    Simmons vehemently dismissed any notion of a close relationship with Epstein. He explained that his name’s appearance in the files stemmed from two seemingly unrelated incidents. One mention, he stated, was due to a Ugandan model, who was Miss Uganda, wanting to give him her bible.

    The other instance involved a conversation between Deepak Chopra and Epstein. Simmons recounted that Chopra inquired if Epstein would be interested in attending his house during an event where Chopra was being honored by Simmons’ art foundation. “That’s f—in’ it!” Simmons declared, emphasizing the limited nature of these connections.

    No Recollection of Meeting Epstein

    Adding to his denial, Simmons stated that he doesn’t recall ever meeting Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein, who died by suicide in August 2019 while in federal custody, was known to associate with many high-profile individuals. Simmons acknowledged this, joking that “every famous person is in there, somehow.”

    Ongoing Allegations and Current Life

    These comments come at a time when Simmons continues to face multiple sexual misconduct allegations that surfaced during the #MeToo movement starting in 2017. Several women, including Drew Dixon and Jenny Lumet, have publicly accused him of rape, harassment, or coercion. Simmons has consistently denied allegations of non-consensual sex, maintaining that his past relationships were consensual.

    Due to the widespread accusations, Simmons stepped away from several companies and now reportedly lives in Bali, Indonesia, where he operates a wellness resort. His public statements aim to distance himself from the Epstein scandal while he continues to navigate the fallout from other serious allegations.

    What do you think about Russell Simmons’ explanation regarding the Epstein files? Let us know in the comments!

  • Russell Simmons Addresses Epstein Files Mention

    The release of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein has brought many names back into the spotlight, and Russell Simmons is one of them. As speculation swirled, the hip-hop mogul decided to address his inclusion in the infamous files directly, offering his perspective on the matter.

    Simmons Explains His Epstein Files Connection

    Appearing on the podcast ‘Podcast and Chill with MacG,’ Simmons explained the two specific instances that led to his name appearing in the Epstein files. He described a situation involving a Ugandan model who, he claims, wanted to give him her bible. Simmons stated he doesn’t know how this ended up in the files but mentioned the model was Miss Uganda.

    The second mention, according to Simmons, involved Deepak Chopra asking Jeffrey Epstein if he wanted to attend an event at Simmons’ house honoring his art foundation. Simmons emphasized that these were the extent of his interactions and denied having any significant relationship with Epstein, even joking that he barely remembers meeting him and that “every famous person is in there, somehow.”

    Addressing Past Allegations

    It’s important to note that Russell Simmons has faced numerous sexual assault allegations from multiple women, which came to public attention starting in 2017 during the #MeToo movement. Accusations range from rape to coercion, harassment, and sexual misconduct, often tied to his powerful position in the entertainment and music industries during the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s.

    Simmons has consistently denied allegations of non-consensual sex, maintaining that all his relationships and encounters were consensual. These allegations have significantly impacted his career, leading him to step away from various business ventures and altering his public reputation. He currently resides in Bali, Indonesia, where he focuses on operating a wellness resort.

    What are your thoughts on Russell Simmons’ explanation regarding the Epstein files? Let us know in the comments!

  • Russell Simmons Claims He ‘Gave’ Baby Phat to Kimora Lee

    The ongoing public dispute between Russell Simmons and his ex-wife, Kimora Lee Simmons, has taken another turn. Following Kimora Lee’s recent interview where she alluded to being unfairly compensated in the sale of the Baby Phat brand, Russell Simmons has fired back, claiming he was the one who built the brand and later “gave” it to her.

    Simmons’s Version of the Baby Phat Story

    In a social media comment responding to a clip of Kimora Lee’s interview on the “Aspire With Emma Grede” podcast, Simmons asserted his foundational role in Baby Phat. He stated, “I gave her the brand, which already existed, I put her in baby phat leather shorts the day we met.” He further claimed he found designers, made her famous, and marketed the brand using her image, calling his actions “Very generous of me.”

    This statement directly contrasts with Kimora Lee’s account, where she expressed feeling sidelined in the 2004 sale of Baby Phat to Kellwood Company for $140 million. She stated she received “$20 million of that, or less,” while Simmons and his associates held larger stakes, despite the brand’s success being closely linked to her image.

    A History of Disputes

    The couple, who married in 1998 and divorced in 2009, share two daughters, Ming and Aoki. Their relationship has been marked by legal battles and public disagreements. In 2021, Simmons sued Lee and Tim Leissner, alleging a conspiracy to transfer Celsius shares without his consent, a case that is still ongoing.

    More recently, Kimora Lee stated she has minimal contact with the fathers of her children, a claim Simmons disputed on social media. He retorted, “I gave u 50,000 a month for 20 years… I was ur best /only friend. I’m the godfather to your other 3 kids, until one day you stole my stock.” He also alleged that Lee threatened to cut off his contact with their children if he sued her.

    Seeking Clarity and Ownership

    In a move towards personal clarity and ownership, Kimora Lee announced last month that she was dropping “Simmons” from her name. This decision reflects a desire to move forward and assert her own identity separate from her past associations.

    What are your thoughts on Russell Simmons’s claims about the Baby Phat brand? Do you believe his side of the story? Share your perspective in the comments below!

  • Russell Simmons & Kimora Lee: Baby Phat $140M Battle

    It looks like there’s a new public spat brewing between hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and his ex-wife, fashion icon Kimora Lee Simmons. The drama centers around the sale of their iconic Baby Phat brand, with Kimora Lee claiming she was sidelined from crucial decisions and received a fraction of the expected payout from the reported $140 million deal.

    Kimora Lee’s Claims Surface

    The controversy kicked off when Kimora Lee appeared on the ‘Aspire With Emma Grede’ podcast. She revealed that during the 2004 sale of Phat Fashions to Kellwood Company, she wasn’t involved in the early discussions. She stated, “I probably got $20 million of that, or less,” and admitted she wasn’t aware of the sale talks happening so early on.

    This revelation clearly didn’t sit well with Russell Simmons. He quickly took to social media, jumping into the comments section to share his perspective. He asserted that he was the one who initially gifted the brand to Kimora Lee, emphasizing his role in finding designers and marketing the company, with her serving as its public face.

    Simmons’ Defense and Lee’s Name Change

    While Simmons acknowledged that Lee later “blossomed,” he described his initial support as a “very generous” move that created the platform for her success. This public back-and-forth highlights a significant disagreement over the origins and financial outcomes of the Baby Phat empire.

    Adding another layer to this story, Kimora Lee recently made headlines by legally dropping “Simmons” from her name. Her representative explained this was a move for her “clarity and ownership” as she continues to build her business ventures independently. The couple, married from 1998 to 2009, share two daughters, and Kimora Lee notably regained control of Baby Phat in 2019.

    A Legacy in Dispute

    The public airing of this dispute over the Baby Phat brand raises questions about legacy, ownership, and the financial realities behind successful fashion ventures. It’s a stark reminder that even decades later, the business decisions made during the height of a brand’s popularity can still spark controversy.

    What are your thoughts on the Baby Phat dispute between Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee? Who do you think has the stronger claim? Let us know in the comments!

  • Russell Simmons Fires Back at Kimora Lee Over Baby Phat Sale

    It seems like the drama surrounding the iconic fashion brand Baby Phat is far from over! Recently, Kimora Lee Simmons opened up about relaunching the brand and shared her perspective on its early sale, stating she felt she didn’t own enough of the company and only walked away with $20 million from a reported $140 million deal.

    Kimora Lee’s Perspective on the Sale

    During an episode of Emma Grede’s ‘Aspire’ podcast, Kimora Lee discussed the early 2000s when Baby Phat, co-founded with her then-husband Russell Simmons, was sold. She admitted that her ownership stake was “the smallest piece of the business” and expressed regret, saying, “No. No, definitely not. And that’s one of the things were you live and you learn.”

    She further elaborated that while the company was sold for over $100 million, her personal earnings were $20 million or less. Kimora Lee highlighted that the sale’s value was primarily driven by Baby Phat, as the men’s line, Phat Farm, was becoming obsolete by that time. She also mentioned feeling out of the loop during the sale negotiations, missing key meetings and discussions about the brand’s valuation.

    Russell Simmons Responds

    Russell Simmons, however, didn’t stay silent for long. He took to his Threads account to directly address Kimora Lee’s statements, strongly disputing her claims about ownership. He asserted that Kimora Lee “didn’t own any” of the brand initially.

    She’s right. She didn’t own any. I gave her the brand which ALREADY EXISTED. I gave designers, support, fame, and at the end, money. Stop playing w/me. This was pure generosity and love❤️. — Russell Simmons

    In a follow-up post, Simmons detailed his contributions, stating he put her in Baby Phat leather shorts the day they met, found designers, made her famous, and marketed the brand using her image. He acknowledged that she “learned and blossomed” and “did a good job,” but emphasized that his actions were “very generous.”

    A History of the Brand

    Baby Phat first launched in 1999 and quickly became a symbol of early 2000s fashion. The brand was sold to The Kellwood Company in 2004 for a reported $140 million. Although Baby Phat ceased operations by 2010, Kimora Lee successfully reacquired and relaunched the brand in 2019, bringing back the iconic Y2K aesthetic.

    This public exchange highlights the complex nature of business partnerships and celebrity brands. While Kimora Lee focuses on her journey and perceived lack of ownership during the initial sale, Russell Simmons emphasizes his foundational role and generosity in building the brand’s success.

    What are your thoughts on this public disagreement between Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee Simmons? Share your opinions in the comments below!

  • Russell Simmons & Kimora Lee: Name Change Drama

    It seems like the drama between Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee Simmons is far from over! Following Kimora’s announcement that she’s officially dropping the ‘Simmons’ from her name, Russell has stepped into the spotlight, claiming credit for her fame and the success of their iconic fashion brand, Baby Phat.

    Clash Over Baby Phat’s Legacy

    The public exchange kicked off after Kimora shared details about the sale of Baby Phat on the ‘Aspire With Emma Grede’ podcast. She revealed that she didn’t receive a fair share of the profits from the brand’s sale, which was reportedly around $100 million, with her taking home $20 million or less. Kimora also mentioned being excluded from crucial early discussions about the sale.

    Russell Simmons took to Instagram to counter Kimora’s narrative. He asserted that he was the one who essentially built the brand and made Kimora famous. He claimed, “I gave her the brand, which already existed, I put her in baby phat leather shorts the day we met. I found designers / made her famous and marketed the brand with her face.”

    A Generous Gesture, According to Russell

    He continued his statement by acknowledging Kimora’s eventual growth and efforts, saying, “Eventually she learned and blossomed. She did a good job BUT NOTE ..Very generous of me.” This statement positions his actions as a significant, albeit perhaps underappreciated, contribution to her career and the brand’s success.

    For context, The Kellwood Company initially purchased Baby Phat for a reported $140 million back in 2004. Fast forward to 2019, and Kimora Lee Simmons made headlines when she reacquired the company, signaling a new chapter for the beloved fashion label.

    Kimora Lee Reclaims Her Identity

    This public back-and-forth comes at a time when Kimora is making a significant personal move. Last month, she officially changed her legal name back to Kimora Lee. A statement released explained that this decision is about “clarity and ownership,” and represents an opportunity for her to move forward with greater intention and a cohesive brand identity.

    Russell and Kimora were married from 1998 to 2009, and their relationship has clearly evolved in complex ways since their divorce. Kimora’s name change signifies a desire to define her own path, separate from her past marital ties.

    What do you think about Russell Simmons’ claims and Kimora Lee’s decision to change her name? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

  • Russell Simmons Settles With Accusers, Pays Over $3M

    Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons has reportedly reached and paid settlement agreements totaling over $3 million to three women who accused him of sexual assault and misconduct. This development comes after more than a year where at least five women awaited these payments related to their allegations.

    Resolving Long-Standing Claims

    Attorneys representing Wendy Franco, Sil Lai Abrams, and Sherri Abernathy confirmed that Simmons has paid the outstanding amounts owed to them, according to Rolling Stone. “The matter has been resolved,” stated a lawyer for the women, though further details were declined.

    Under the terms of the settlements, Simmons agreed to pay Franco $515,000. Abrams and Abernathy each received $1,265,000 for allegations including rape and misconduct. Abernathy accused Simmons of rape in 1983, while Abrams alleged a similar assault occurred in 1994. Franco’s settlement, while not publicly detailed regarding specific claims, involves alleged “physical injuries and sickness” according to court documents.

    No Admission of Liability

    Crucially, these settlement terms appear to allow Simmons to move forward without formally admitting guilt. The agreements with Franco, Abrams, and Abernathy omit specific allegations, instead referencing payments for “alleged personal, physical injuries and sickness.” Each settlement explicitly states that Simmons’ payments do not constitute “any admission of liability, fault, or wrongdoing.”

    Similarly, settlements with two other accusers, Tina Klein-Baker and Toni Sallie, also include no detailed claims and reaffirm that no liability is admitted. Legal documents filed in January 2025 indicated that Simmons still owed at least $8 million to three other accusers—Klein-Baker, Sallie, and Alexia Jones—having paid them only $220,000 in total as of earlier this year.

    The Emotional Toll of Delayed Payments

    Before these settlements were finalized, Franco, Abrams, and Abernathy described the delay in payments as an additional emotional burden on their already difficult legal journey. Waiting over a year for the funds felt like a further trauma, with Franco expressing in April, “It was devastating. I just felt so stupid that I thought this person would follow through… now this person again shows you that it doesn’t matter to him.”

    Meanwhile, Simmons continues to pursue a defamation lawsuit against HBO and filmmakers Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick, who produced the 2020 documentary ‘On the Record,’ which featured interviews with several of his accusers. Simmons’ legal team argues that crucial supporting information was ignored during the film’s production, a claim dismissed by HBO’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, as lacking merit.

    What are your thoughts on the impact of settlements in cases of alleged sexual misconduct? Share your perspective in the comments below.