Def Jam Recordings co-founder Russell Simmons faces a forgery lawsuit from one of his accusers, Jane Doe, who alleges he forged her signature on a document dating back 30 years.
This latest legal battle adds a complex twist to Simmons' ongoing legal woes, as Doe not only accuses him of forgery but also stands as one of his accusers in a separate sexual assault lawsuit.
Russell Simmons Slapped With Forgery Lawsuit
AllHipHop-exclusively obtained legal documents explain that Jane Doe "felt appalled" when Simmons failed to acknowledge the gravity of his alleged assault.
Reportedly, when Simmons learned about the legal action Doe was pushing forward, he expressed a "vague apology" through a friend.
It was only until later, during the legal proceedings, when Doe accused Simmons of sexual assault, that a document purportedly emerged settling their dispute.
The publication exclusively noted that the document had raised several red flags, including inconsistencies in the dates, a difference in handwriting, and the document letterhead.
The documents obtained pointed out that the file's metadata was dated March 24, 2024. The document was also dated Jan. 9, 1997, and was printed at the top of each page. However, the date at the bottom of the page, which states 1-6-97 or Jan. 6, 1997, was inconsistent.
Doe has since denied ever signing the said document and even contested the authenticity. Moreover, the document wouldn't actually cover the sexual assault that Simmons had enacted, as the document only talked about her departure from Def Jam recordings and some financial conflicts.
Doe's lawyers insist that the document was not authentic. Even if it was, it wouldn't remove Doe's claims of rape against the embattled music executive.
The publication revealed that Doe is requesting "general, punitive and economic damages for loss of employment, loss of business opportunities, loss of wages" to compensate her "for injuries suffered as a result of the unlawful conduct alleged herein."
Russell Simmons Denies Sexual Assault Allegations
Jane Doe was one of the 20 women who accused the former co-founder of sexual abuse, Forbes reported.
Speaking to Graham Bensinger, Simmons declared that he has never been "violent" to anybody.
"Of course I've been insensitive, but certainly never been forceful in any of my relationships, all of which I've had have been consensual," he maintained.
Simmons also pointed out that his sexual promiscuity was partially due to the culture at the time.
"I think that the culture and the climate was different, and the way people interacted was different," he recalled. "I think to judge 40 years ago as if it was today, we get in trouble."
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