Russell Simmons has come to Taraji P. Henson’s defense amid criticism directed at the actress for her recent trip to see him in Bali.
This past month, Simmons, who has faced multiple allegations of sexual assault, shared a picture on social media featuring himself alongside Henson during her visit. In the caption, he conveyed his gratitude for her companionship. However, the actress faced considerable backlash from many online users who condemned her for her association with Simmons given the serious nature of the allegations against him.
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Simmons recently hopped social media to respond to the allegations, urging his critics to stop targeting Henson with negative comments. He emphasized that she is not to blame and was merely demonstrating her friendship and support during his difficult time.
“Knock it off,” Simmons said of those condemning him and his associates. “I love you, I just don’t want my friends attacked and I wish you all the best. But just leave my friends alone. Don’t attack my friends for visiting me.”
The Queens, NY native also reaffirmed his innocence regarding the sexual assault accusations, highlighting that he has not been formally charged or interrogated by law enforcement related to these claims.
“Still today, I have never spoken to a policeman about anything,” Simmons said in the clip. “I have never spoken to a judge, civil or criminal, about anything. From what I can tell Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and President Trump all have more credible claims against them that I do.”
The former CEO of Def Jam went on to state that he has “never been charged” with any crime and has undergone several lie detector tests, including some administered by the Chairman of the Polygraph Association, as part of his efforts to demonstrate his innocence.
Simmons also criticized individuals who back Donald Trump in his bid for a second presidential term while simultaneously distancing themselves from him, despite facing similar allegations against their long-time associates.
“But yet you stand next to Donald Trump,” he added, before scoffing at speculation that he fled to Bali to avoid potential charges in relation to his alleged sex crimes. “Knock it off,” he added, announcing that he’ll be returning to the United States shortly. “I’ll be in New York next week,” Simmons said. “This idea that I’m hiding is stupid.”