Russell Simmons Responds #NotMe To Rape Allegations As NYPD Opens Investigation
After several sexual harassment accusations about Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein, the #MeToo hashtag was born. The Weinstein scandals inspired women in Hollywood and all over the world to share their experiences with sexual harassment and assault.
But, unlike Weinstein, Russell Simmons has decided to create his own hashtag and take a stand for himself.
Yesterday, Simmons took to Instagram to create his very own hashtag #NotMe. The hashtag was created to defend Simmons shortly after he was accused of rape by three new women earlier this week.
Tina Baker, Drew Dixon, and Toni Sallie are three women who have come forward with claims that they were raped by the music mogul. The women shared their stories with the New York Times and have all said they have been sexually harassed by Simmons.
Singer and TV Critic, Tina Baker, says she was invited back to Simmons' apartment to discuss her career, but things took a turn for the worse.
"I was pinned on the bed, I did nothing but wait for it to end," Baker said.
#MeToo vs. #NotMe
Yesterday, the latest woman to come forward and share her #MeToo story is former, The Hills star, Kelly Cutrone. The fashion publicist claims that the attack occurred when she was 26-years-old.
"He pushed me into his apartment, threw me down on the floor and tried to take my clothes off," Cutrone told Page Six.
"I told him that I would have killed him if he ever laid a f-king hand on me," Cutrone continued.
Even though Cutrone claims to have been harassed by Simmons, the idea of going to police felt "overwhelming" at the time.
As Simmons continues to vehemently deny all allegations, NYPD has decided to open up an investigation on the Def Jam co-founder.
On Thursday, Simmons attorney Brad Rose released a statement. "Russell Simmons fully supports and will cooperate with the police inquiry and is confident of a swift resolution," Rose said.
Since November eleven women altogether, including screenwriter Jennifer Lumet, Actress Natashia Williams-Blach, and comedian Amanda Seales have all accused Simmons of misconduct.
One of Simmons' accusers, Sherri Hines told the Los Angeles Times that she was contacted by the NYPD.
"I'm not trying to bash him, but what you did in the dark comes to light," Hines said.
