Russell Simmons Is Reportedly Being Sued For Alleged Rape

Russell Simmons, the entrepreneur and founder of Def Jam Records, is being sued by a woman who alleges he raped her, TMZreports.

Jennifer Jarosik filed a suit claiming Simmons invited her to his home in 2016, where he propositioned her for sex. When she refused, he reportedly became angry and violent and proceeded to rape her. The report says Jarosik was left "sick, sore, lame, disabled and disordered, both internally and externally and suffered from extreme emotional distress."

The lawsuit, filed through Perry Wander, seeks $5 million in punitive damages and an unspecified amount in actual damages.

Simmons stepped down from his various company positions last November after being accused of sexually violating screenwriter Jenny Lumet in 1991. At least 14 more women have come forth with accusations since then.

A statement from Simmons released to Pitchforkresponds: "This allegation is absolutely untrue. 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. In the meantime, please understand that I will not litigate this matter in the media. I am confident that when all is said and all is done, it will be as clear to others as it is to me that I did not do what this lawsuit accuses me of doing."