Hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons has come under fire after actor Taraji P. Henson faced criticism for spending time with him at his Bali resort. Simmons, who has been accused of sexual assault and misconduct, defended himself in a video response on Instagram Live, calling out Black people who condemn him while supporting former President Trump. He highlighted his contributions to the Black community and denied allegations that he is evading legal consequences.
Simmons, 66, posted a photo of himself with Henson in Indonesia, sparking backlash from many who questioned her association with someone facing serious allegations. The co-founder of Def Jam Recordings has been embroiled in sexual assault and defamation lawsuits since February. However, Simmons chose not to address these specific allegations in his response.
In his video, Simmons emphasized his efforts in social justice causes, including his work with Black Lives Matter and various organizations supporting women and LGBTQ+ individuals. He also mentioned his contributions to criminal justice reform, claiming to have helped release 10,000 Black men from jail and registering numerous individuals to vote.
Simmons, who spends a significant amount of time in Bali, founded the Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort. Henson visited the resort last summer and recently, prompting Simmons to express gratitude for her patronage. R&B star Usher also faced similar outrage after spending time at Gdas during his honeymoon in March.
While some of Simmons’ followers praised the photo of him and Henson, others launched personal attacks against both individuals. Critics questioned Simmons’ decision to reside in Bali, suggesting he was avoiding legal action. Simmons has consistently denied the allegations against him and maintains that his move to Bali does not indicate guilt or an attempt to evade legal consequences.
Simmons’ response to the backlash received mixed reactions. Some users criticized him for blaming the Black community and accused him of deflecting from the allegations. Others suggested that his response made him appear more guilty.
