(FILES) This file photo taken on September 10, 2017 shows Russell Simmons attending Netflix’s Def Comedy Jam 25 special event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. TIBRINA HOBSON / AFPRussell Simmons, who helped bring hip-hop into the mainstream with Def Jam Recordings, said Thursday he was quitting his business empire after fresh allegations of sexual abuse.
The 60-year-old –who unlike many in the rap world had until recently an uncontroversial public image — disputed the latest claim against him but said he viewed the mounting public spotlight on sexual misconduct to be “a time of great transition.”
“The voices of the voiceless, those who have been hurt or shamed, deserve and need to be heard,” Simmons said in a statement.
“As the corridors of power inevitably make way for a new generation, I don’t want to be a distraction so I am removing myself from the businesses that I founded,” he said.
Rap Mogul Russell Simmons Steps Down After Sex Allegations
