Multi-talented African-American star Russell Simmons has made his mark as a record producer and writer, as well as an entrepreneur. He is famous for having been the President and CEO of the famous communication company Rush Communications. as well as co-owner of the Def Jam Music label. Additionally, Russell also owns notable clothing brands such as Tantris, Phat Farm, and Argyleculture. He drew a lot of attention in 2017 following his sexual assault allegations. More on that and the multi-millionaire below.
Who is Russell Simmons?
Russell Simmons is a renowned businessman and entrepreneur, as well as an acclaimed record producer and author. Born on October 4, 1957, Russell Wendell Simmons was born to African American parents, Daniel Simmons Sr. and his wife Evelyn Simmons, for the first time in this world. He grew up with his brothers Rev Run and Daniel Simmons Jr. in Queens, New York.. Russell attended August Martin High School and after graduating in 1975; he enrolled at the City College of New York where he earned his bachelor’s degree. While there, Simmons met Kurt Walker who inspired him to become a hip-hop artist.
Russell founded the Def Jam label alongside Rick Rubin in 1983 and has produced several music videos as well as films. He produced the hit comedy series titled Def Comedy Jam as well as Def Poetry Jam. He later also produced the commercially successful comedy film titled The Nutty Professor. The film featured famous artists such as Eddie Murphy.
Apart from the production company Def Jam, Russell has also founded other businesses, including Phat Fashions LLC, which he eventually sold to the Kellywood Company for $140 million in 2004. He is also the founder of the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, which provides arts education and support to less privileged young people.
Net value
The African American star has accumulated huge wealth for himself and lives a lavish lifestyle. Simmons’ net worth has been estimated at $340 million. He derives his net worth from his career as a record producer and other ventures. Simmons is notably considered one of the wealthiest record producers in America.
His wife, girlfriend and children
Undoubtedly, Russell Simmons was successful in his career, but the same could not be said about his love life. The star was previously married to an American model named Kimora Lee. Kimora is a renowned television personality as well as a fashion designer and model. She gained fame through her appearance on her own TV show called Life in the Fab Lane and Kimora: House of Fab. Born and raised in Missouri in the United States; Kimora started modeling at the age of fourteen and she has worked with various fashion designers including Kari Lagerfeld, Emanuel Ungaro, Valentino and Fendi to name a few. She has appeared on the cover of popular fashion magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, among others.
The couple started their relationship after meeting in 1992, after five years of successful relationship, they exchanged their marriage vows in 1998. Their wedding took place in St. Barthelemy, a Caribbean island, and the ceremony was officiated by Joseph Reverend , brother of Russell. Simons. After their marriage, the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Ming Lee Simmons, on January 21, 2000 and two years later. their second daughter, Aoki Lee Simmons, was born on August 16, 2002.
The couple lived happily ever after until eight years ago when their relationship turned sour. They separated in March 2006 and in 2008 they filed for divorce which was finalized in early 2009. Shortly after their separation, Kimora married an American-American actor and model, Djimon Hounsou, when there was no news. of Simmons. subsequent relationships. Apparently, Russell is currently single and currently has no known relationships.
Russell Simmons Rape Allegations
Russell Simmons has joined the long list of celebrities who have been embroiled in rape controversies. Towards the end of 2017, an American model named Keri Claussen Khalighi accused Russell of taking advantage of her when she was seventeen in 1991. Keri wasn’t the only woman pictured. ; A host of other women have also accused the record producer of sexual assault and rape. Some of them include Amanda Seales; Kelly Cutrone, Luann de Lesseps, Toni Sallie, Lisa Kirk, Jenny Lumet, Tina Baker and Drew Dixon, among others.
In reaction to the above, the record producer vehemently denied all the allegations; saying he was never violent or abusive to women in any form. We already know that Russell is a serious supporter of the women’s movement around the world. Following these accusations, Russell resigned from his positions at his companies, and his name was also removed from the Entire Def Comedy Series
However, Russell Simmons is not the first celebrity to have managed to get dragged into the net of a sexual assault allegation. Billy O’Reilly, Harvey Weinstein, Louis CK, Steven Seagal and James Franco, to name a few, have had their own part in such controversies.