What Happened to Russell Simmons? Where is He Now?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jun 20, 2023
Who is Russell Simmons?
Russell Simmons is a prominent American entrepreneur, writer, and record executive who has made significant contributions to the hip-hop industry. He gained recognition as a co-founder of the renowned record label, Def Jam Recordings, and has also made a mark in the fashion world through the establishment of clothing fashion lines such as Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and Tantris. Simmons' career has been intertwined with numerous influential artists who have shaped the hip-hop genre.
He has worked closely with notable figures like Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, Whodini, and Jimmy Spicer, showcasing his talent for recognizing and nurturing musical talent. One of his most significant achievements was joining forces with producer Rick Rubin to establish Def Jam Recordings, which went on to become a powerhouse in the industry. Under Simmons' leadership as chairman, Def Jam Recordings made groundbreaking signings, including Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Jay-Z, DMX, and Kanye West.
Simmons played a pivotal role in the production of the Def Comedy Jam television program from 1992 to 1997, bringing laughter and amplifying the voices of talented comedians. Beyond his accomplishments in the entertainment sphere, Simmons has also been an ardent promoter of veganism and a yogic lifestyle. He has leveraged his platform to advocate for the benefits of adopting a plant-based diet and embracing holistic wellness practices. Simmons has authored books that delve into topics such as healthy living and entrepreneurship, sharing his insights and empowering others to lead fulfilling lives.
Unfortunately, in 2017, Simmons faced public accusations of misconduct from multiple women. It's important to acknowledge that he has strongly denied these allegations. Nevertheless, in the wake of these accusations, Simmons made the decision to step down from his various business roles and charitable organizations, including his position at Def Jam. This marked a significant turning point in his career and public image, and he continues to navigate the aftermath of these allegations.
What Happened to Russell Simmons?
In recent developments, Russell Simmons, the defamed Def Jam record executive, is being exposed by his ex-wife Kimora Lee Simmons and their daughter Aoki Simmons, who have come forward with allegations of harassment and threats. On Monday (June 19), Kimora Lee Simmons took to Instagram Live to publicly accuse Russell Simmons of verbally attacking their children.
She firmly stated that she would not tolerate any attacks on her kids and asserted her possession of evidence to substantiate her claims, stating that she has been collecting evidence and has more to share if necessary. Kimora pleaded for Russell Simmons to leave their family alone. Aoki Simmons, the youngest daughter of Russell Simmons, also spoke out on her Instagram page, echoing her mother's claims of being verbally abused by her father. Aoki highlighted the experiences of people close to Russell Simmons who have witnessed his aggressive outbursts, suggesting that there may be a mental health issue at play, possibly bipolar disorder.
She expressed her right to speak about her own life and the suffering she has endured, mentioning that she has screen recordings and voice memos that capture Russell Simmons in a disturbing state, sounding unlike a normal human being. Aoki described her father's behavior as possessed and emphasized that he has threatened and harassed their family members, including her sister and grandmother.
Aoki captioned her video by asserting that her father has been unwell for years, needing help but refusing to acknowledge his true state. She highlighted incidents where he has intimidated and bullied their family members, including harassing their grandmother in the middle of the night. Aoki further shared that Russell Simmons lashes out at anyone who doesn't portray everything as fine, stressing that the situation is far from fine. She conveyed her determination not to let his threats affect her career aspirations, expressing that if she loses fashion job opportunities as he threatens, she will pursue a career in criminal justice as a lawyer. Aoki made it clear that she won't tolerate the mistreatment of her family and rejected Russell Simmons' claims that nobody would believe them due to his public image.
It is worth noting that in April 2018, Russell Simmons settled a lawsuit filed by Jennifer Jarosik, who accused him of sexually assaulting her after she rejected his advances. The lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice, preventing Jarosik from refiling. Russell Simmons has faced allegations of sexual misconduct, including rape, from numerous other women. Currently, he resides in Bali, where he has been participating in a Yogi retreat.
Where is Russell Simmons Now?
In 2017, Russell Simmons, following allegations of misconduct against him, made the decision to step down from his business ventures. He chose to relocate to Bali, Indonesia, a country that lacks an extradition treaty with the United States. The Sundance Film Festival premiered a documentary titled "On the Record" on January 25, 2020, which delves into the allegations of misconduct surrounding Simmons. Later, on May 27, 2020, the film was released on HBO Max.
During the production process, there were discussions regarding its release, and it was reported that Simmons exerted pressure on executive producer Oprah Winfrey to cancel it. Eventually, Winfrey withdrew as an executive producer, citing inconsistencies in one of the accuser's stories as the reason. She expressed her belief in the women who have accused Simmons of inappropriate behavior despite her decision.
In November 2017, Jenny Lumet, the daughter of filmmaker Sidney Lumet and the granddaughter of singer and civil rights activist Lena Horne, published a guest column in The Hollywood Reporter detailing a third allegation against Simmons. Lumet expressed the difficulty she faced in writing about the actions of a successful man of color and voiced her concern for the safety of all daughters, including Simmons' own.
HBO took the decision to remove Russell Simmons' name from the series he created, "All Def Comedy," which aimed to showcase emerging comedians. However, his name remains attached to "Def Comedy Jam," another show produced by HBO. In January, the team behind the acclaimed documentary "The Invisible War" premiered their latest film at the Sundance Film Festival. Titled "On the Record," this documentary explores allegations of misconduct against hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, who has been accused by numerous women. It is important to note that Simmons has consistently denied all these allegations.
However, just two weeks before the film's highly anticipated debut at the prestigious festival in Park City, Utah, executive producer Oprah Winfrey decided to step away from the project. Winfrey cited inconsistencies in the account provided by one of Simmons' accusers, former Def Jam executive Drew Dixon, as her reason for withdrawing. Consequently, the documentary also lost its planned distributor, Apple TV+, due to Winfrey's multi-year content partnership with the streaming platform.
Why did Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons divorce?
Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons divorced in 2008 after being married for almost a decade. The couple, who tied the knot in December 1998 in New York City, announced their separation in 2006 but clarified that they had been living apart for some time before the official announcement.
The divorce was initiated by Kimora, who filed for divorce in March 2008, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for their separation. At the time of the divorce, Kimora requested full legal and physical custody of their two children, Ming Lee Simmons (born in 2000) and Aoki Lee Simmons (born in 2002). She also requested that Russell have reasonable child visitation, but with the presence of a nanny and security personnel during those visits.
In January 2009, their divorce was finalized, with Kimora being granted sole custody of their daughters. As part of the settlement, Russell agreed to pay $40,000 per month in child support until their youngest daughter reaches the age of 19.5 years old.
The reasons behind their divorce were not explicitly stated in the reports. However, it is known that the couple had been separated for some time before the divorce and cited irreconcilable differences as the grounds for their separation. After the divorce, both Kimora and Russell expressed their commitment to co-parenting their children and maintaining a positive relationship as friends.
It is important to note that the recent accusations made by Kimora and their daughter Aoki against Russell Simmons are unrelated to the reasons for their divorce, as they pertain to alleged harassment and threats directed at their children rather than the dissolution of their marriage.
Russell Simmons Children
Russell Simmons is not only a successful entrepreneur and record executive, but also a proud father to two daughters, Ming and Aoki Lee Simmons with his ex-wife Kimora Lee.
Ming Lee Simmons
Ming Lee Simmons, the eldest daughter, was born on January 21st, 2000, and she has been raised in the vibrant city of New York. Following in her mother's footsteps, Ming Lee has made a name for herself in the fashion industry. Standing at a height of 5 feet 4 inches (163 centimeters) and weighing 50 kg (110 pounds), she exudes confidence and elegance. Ming Lee has found her passion as a stylist and model, and she has even collaborated with the popular clothing brand Boohoo as their ambassador.
In her personal life, Ming Lee is happily in a relationship with her boyfriend named Taimaru. They have been spotted together at various high school prom parties, cherishing their special moments. Ming Lee shares glimpses of her life on her verified Instagram account, where she delights her followers with captivating pictures and engaging videos.
Ming Lee Simmons is a talented young woman carving her own path in the fashion industry while embracing her unique sense of style and individuality. Her accomplishments and blossoming career serve as an inspiration to many aspiring fashion enthusiasts.
Aoki Lee Simmons
Aoki, the younger daughter of Russell Simmons, was born on August 19th, 2002, right in the heart of New York City. Just like her mother and older sister, she has an undeniable passion for the world of fashion. Aoki has made significant strides in her own fashion journey. In July 2021, she graced the runway as part of the Pyer Moss haute couture presentation, showcasing her talent and style. Building upon this success, on September 8th, 2021, she collaborated with JustFab to launch her very own capsule collection, further establishing herself as a creative force in the industry.
Beyond her remarkable achievements in fashion, Aoki exemplifies the perfect combination of beauty and intellect. In March 2019, news broke that she had been accepted into the prestigious Harvard University. It was later revealed that she had chosen to study classics, a testament to her intellectual curiosity and love for timeless knowledge. With a scheduled graduation date in 2023, Aoki is well on her way to earning her degree while pursuing her dreams and making a positive impact on the world.
Aoki Simmons serves as an inspiration to aspiring fashion enthusiasts and scholars alike. Her dedication, talent, and intellectual pursuits showcase the limitless possibilities that await those who are driven to pursue their passions and education.
Russell Simmons Net Worth
Even before the sale of Def Jam Records, Russell Simmons's influence in the media sphere was expanding. He embarked on new ventures, such as establishing Simmons Lathans Media Group, a production company that played a pivotal role in the creation of groundbreaking shows like The Def Comedy Jam. Additionally, Simmons laid the foundation for Rush Communications, Inc., a conglomerate encompassing ten businesses and three non-profit organizations. Through Rush Communications, Simmons co-produced the popular Eddie Murphy film, The Nutty Professor.
Simmons's entrepreneurial spirit extended to the world of fashion, where he launched three clothing lines: Phat Farm, ArgyleCulture, and Tantris. Phat Farm, in particular, gained immense popularity, resonating with the burgeoning hip-hop movement. Eventually, in 2004, Phat Farm was sold to Kenwood for a substantial sum of $140 million. ArgyleCulture catered to millennial men, while Tantris focused on providing yoga apparel.
Name
Russell Simmons
Profession
Entrepreneur, writer, record executive
Age
65
Source of Income
Though his multiple careers
Networth
$340 Million
Russell Simmons Net Worth 2023
In 2013, Simmons ventured into the financial realm with the establishment of Unirush LLC, a company aimed at providing pre-paid debit cards to individuals with limited financial resources. Four years later, in 2017, Unirush LLC was successfully sold to the Green Dot Corporation for a notable sum of $147 million. Meanwhile, Rush Communications expanded its reach into various other business ventures, including energy drink companies, websites, and book publishing. Simmons utilized the publishing arm to release a series of self-help books, such as Do You! and 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success.
Russell Simmons's remarkable journey as a multifaceted entrepreneur and visionary showcases his ability to seize opportunities and diversify his portfolio across different industries, leaving a lasting impact on the worlds of media, fashion, finance, and literature.
What Happened to Russell Simmons - FAQs
Russell Simmons has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, including rape, from numerous women. These allegations have been a significant factor in tarnishing his reputation.
Russell Simmons has consistently denied all the allegations of sexual misconduct made against him. He maintains his innocence and claims that the accusations are false.
While several women have come forward with allegations against Russell Simmons, not all of them have resulted in legal action. In some cases, lawsuits were settled or dismissed, while others are still ongoing. It is important to note that the legal outcomes vary for each individual case.
Following the allegations, Russell Simmons made the decision to step down from his business ventures. He chose to relocate to Bali, Indonesia, a country without an extradition treaty with the United States, in an attempt to distance himself from the public scrutiny.
The documentary "On the Record" explores the allegations of misconduct against Russell Simmons. Its release at the Sundance Film Festival and subsequent distribution on HBO Max brought renewed attention to the accusations against him. The film faced controversy when executive producer Oprah Winfrey withdrew her support, citing inconsistencies in one accuser's account, which led to the loss of its planned distributor, Apple TV+.