Russell Simmons released a statement Thursday morning announcing that he would be stepping down from his companies in the wake of a new sexual misconduct accusation. The announcement came after screenwriter Jenny Lumet detailed an encounter she had with Simmons in 1991, during which, she alleged, the music mogul intimidated her into having sex. Lumet – daughter of director Sidney Lumet and granddaughter of music legend Lena Horne – is not the first woman to accuse the Def Jam Recordings co-founder of misconduct. With his decision to step away from his companies, Simmons leaves behind All Def Digital, film company Def Pictures and yoga lifestyle brand Tantris, as well as his philanthropic efforts. Here is Simmons’ full statement:“I have been informed with great anguish of Jenny Lumet’s recollection about our night together in 1991.

Source: Los Angeles Times November 30, 2017 15:49 UTC