Source: Splash News / Splash News
via BlackAmericaWeb:
Music mogul Russell Simmons said on Instagram that he plans to defend himself a day after a New York Times story published claims by three women saying he raped them.
The allegations in the Times’ Wednesday report stem from the 1980s and 1990s. Simmons denied the allegations Wednesday and again on Thursday.
“Today, I begin to properly defend myself. I will prove without any doubt that I am innocent of all rape charges,” Simmons wrote Thursday on Instagram.
Simmons posted his words under a photo that read #NotMe, explaining that he isn’t trying to go against the anti-harassment movement #MeToo, where millions have shared their stories about being sexually harassed and assaulted.
“My intention is not to diminish the #MeToo movement in any way, but instead hold my accusers accountable,” he wrote. “Again, this is not a movement against or even in conjunction with #MeToo. It’s just a statement about my innocence.”
Also on Thursday, the New York Police Department confirmed that it is investigating the rape claims and are reaching out to the alleged victims.
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