Russell Simmons Fails to Pay $3 Million in Agreed Settlements to Three Women, Including Sexual Assault Accuser

Russell Simmons reportedly owes $3 million to three women, including one who accused him of sexual assault, after failing to pay them according to previously agreed-upon settlements.

Court records obtained by Variety show that three confessions of judgment were filed in New York County Supreme Court on Wednesday for Wendy Carolina Franco, Sherri Abernathy, and Sil Lai Abrams. These confessions, part of confidential settlement agreements, were made back in November, with Simmons agreeing to compensate the women for “alleged personal, physical injuries, and sickness” by October 1st. Yet, despite the deadline having long passed, Simmons hasn’t paid a cent of the $515,000 owed to Franco or the $1,265,000 each owed to Abrams and Abernathy.  The women are now reportedly moving forward with collections in court.

Though the settlement documents don’t specify why these settlements were made, it’s no secret that Abrams accused Simmons of raping her back in 1994.  And she’s not alone, with over 20 women having accused the rap mogul of sexual assault in the past two decades.  Many speculated that his sudden move to Bali was a way to avoid U.S. law enforcement, though Simmons denied this, claiming to visit the U.S. frequently despite living in Bali since 2018.

As for the numerous allegations, Simmons has long maintained his innocence. He has not responded publicly to this latest legal drama.