Russell Simmons, the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, noted in a new interview has chosen to make Bali, Indonesia, his home for personal and spiritual growth, rather than as a means to avoid legal repercussions in the United States. While facing multiple allegations of sexual assault, Simmons denies all claims and has even taken polygraph tests to support his innocence, citing a 94% accuracy rate.
Despite the ongoing lawsuits regarding these allegations, Simmons maintains that he is not hiding out and is free to return to the United States. He has made it clear that he has no plans to live in New York City again, opting for Bali instead.
One of the lawsuits filed against Simmons was from Drew Dixon, who accused him of defamation for calling her a “liar” and dismissing her claims of sexual assault as a ploy for fame. Simmons received legal documents for this lawsuit in Bali, where he was staying at a resort.
Another lawsuit, filed by a former Def Jam employee referred to as Jane Doe, accuses Simmons of sexual harassment and rape. Jane Doe alleged that Simmons turned a seemingly harmless wrestling encounter into aggressive behavior and rape during a work-related visit to his home.
In Bali, Simmons has been immersing himself in spiritual pursuits such as yoga, focusing on personal growth, and engaging in charitable activities to support yoga and self-discovery practices. Despite these efforts, Simmons has faced criticism from his ex-wife, Kimora Lee Simmons, who openly ridiculed his friendship with Usher at a Bali yoga retreat.
Amidst these controversies, Simmons continues to navigate the allegations while maintaining his presence in Bali for what he claims is personal and spiritual evolution.
