Russell Simmons Accused of Rape By Granddaughter of Book Publisher W.W. Norton; Simmons Denies Allegations: “I Have Taken Multiple Lie Detector Tests To Affirm I Never Sexually Assaulted Anyone”

Hip-Hop mogul Russel Simmons has been slapped with, yet, another disturbing allegation of sexual assault.

Brought forth by the granddaughter of the founders of the W.W. Norton publishing house, Alexia Norton Jones says she was sexually violated by the mogul in November 1990. 

In an exclusive exposé published by Variety Magazine, Jones says it all went down after an innocent date with Simmons in New York. According to the report, Jones says the two had a pleasant night out, but things took a turn for the worse when Simmons invited him to see his apartment in downtown Manhattan. 

While there, Jones says Simmons pinned her to the wall and raped her, despite her pleas against it. “It was such a fast attack,” she told the publication. “He pulled my dress up. I must have said no seven to 10 times.” 

Following the attack, Jones says Simmons continued to pursue her, as the two would be at a lot of the same social events, since the then 31-year-old was an aspiring model and actress. However, after a few years, Jones says she forgave the music mogul. 

Despite her forgiving nature, amid the recent wave of allegations of sexual misconduct within Hollywood and against Simmons, Jones decided to file a police report about the incident – almost three decades later. Although Simmons could not be tried or charged for the incident, due to the statue of limitations, she said the sole reason for bringing the story to light is to stand with the other victims. In fact, she claims she doesn’t even want monetary compensation for the incident. 

Now, more than a dozen women have accused to mogul of sexual misconduct. However, Simmons has maintained his innocence. In fact, Simmons released a statement in the wake of the recent allegations, denying that he ever assaulted Ms. Jones. 

“I’m deeply saddened by this story from Alexia,” Simmons said. “At no time did she share these feelings about her first sexual encounter with me, which took place roughly 28 years ago. I have taken multiple lie detector tests that affirm I never sexually assaulted anyone. Alexia and I dated, were intimate and attended multiple events together after she alleges the incident occurred in 1990. I considered her a friend for all these years and continue to have a warm relationship with members of her family. I believe we last spoke in 2006 when she called to express her disappointment over the fact that I had not attended her event honoring her father, Clarence Jones.”

In addition to Simmons’ statement, a representative also shared a statement by his driver, Kenneth L. Jennings, who has worked for the mogul since ’89. “I recall driving Mr. Simmons and Alexia Jones on about 10 to 12 dates in or about 1990. Their relationship latest approximately five months.” 

In turn, Jones denied dating Simmons, acknowledged the phone call that he mentioned, and revealed that her father had no knowledge of the alleged assault, which would explain Simmons’ positive relationship with Jones upon his passing. Instead, Jones claimed she confided in her therapist at the time.

According to Variety, the therapist confirmed the claim.