Russell Simmons Focuses On 'Yoga And Meditation' Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
After being accused of sexual misconduct by over eight women and recently getting slammed with a $5 million lawsuit, Russell Simmons has decided to flee the United States.
According to Page Six, Simmons is reportedly on an extended stay at a yoga retreat in Ubud, Bali after being incriminated of sexual harassment and assault.
The center's website describes their facility as "a gem in sacred paradise." The Yoga Barn offers cleansing and detox, meditation, healing and ayurvedic therapy, spiritual guidance, and colonics.
"Russell is focusing on yoga and meditation, as well as his spiritual and emotional health. He has also been seen wearing robes, walking the streets and markets of Ubud, the yoga town in the jungle," a source claimed.
This isn't Simmons's first yoga experience as the music mogul discovered yoga way back in 1994 and has practiced it every day ever since. Simmons specifically practices Jivamukti yoga, which focuses on vegeterianisim and social and environmental activisim.
The insider further elaborated that Simmons has plans to write a book about spirituality, healing, and yoga and will not discuss the sexual misconduct allegations.
Simmons Denies Allegations
Simmons's trip to Bali comes weeks after he was hit with a $5 million lawsuit from his most recent accuser, Jennifer Jarosik. The filmmaker claims that she and the Def Jam co-founder bonded over common interests such as yoga and meditation. She also stated that Simmons told her he would help finance and produce her documentary film.
In 2016, after developing a relationship with the music mogul, Jarosik explained that Simmons invited her to his Los Angeles home and then asked her to have sex with him. When Jarosik refused, Simmons became aggressive and forced himself onto her.
Following Jarosik's claims, Simmons denied the rape allegations and released a statement via his spokeswoman.
"I look forward to having my day in court -- where, unlike the court of public opinion, I will have the ability to make use of fair processes that ensure that justice will be done and that the full truth will be known," Simmons said.
Prior to Jarosik's claims, the 60-year-old was accused of sexual assault and rape by other women such as model Keri Claussen Khaligi, fashion publicist Kelly Cutrone, and writer Jenny Lumet.
The allegations have even inspired Simmons's ex-wife, Kimora Lee Simmons, to address the claims.
"These allegations against him are nothing like the person I have known in all that time. I have known him to be a caring and supporting father and someone who has worked tirelessly to uplift disenfranchised communities," Kimora wrote.
Although Simmons has made his way to Bali, two of the rape claims are still currently being investigated by the NYPD.
