Russel Simmons has quit his business and music empire after being accused of sexual misconduct by a second woman.
Sidney Lumet’s daughter Jenny has accused Russell Simmons of forcing her into having sex with him after allegedly locking her in his car and taking her to his apartment against her will in 1991.
Lumet described the encounter in an open letter to the music mogul that was published by The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday.
She said it happened when she was 24 and Simmons, now 60, was five years older.
They had both been at the restaurant Inodchine when she says he trapped her in his chauffeur-driven car after offering her a ride home.
Lumet claims he then took her against her will to his Manhattan apartment where he ushered her into a bedroom and forced her to have sex with him.
‘It was dark, but not pitch dark. You closed the door. At that point, I simply did what I was told.
Russel Simmons has quit his business and music empire after being accused of sexual misconduct by a second woman
‘There was penetration. At one point you were only semi-erect and appeared frustrated.
‘Angry? I remember being afraid that you would deem that my fault and become violent. I did not know if you were angry, but I was afraid that you were,’ she said.
Afterwards, she claims she got herself a taxi and went home.
In response to her claims on Thursday, Simmons released a statement to say he was stepping down from his business empire.
Lumet is the second woman to share allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
His statement, which he provided to Page Six, is as follows:
‘I have been informed with great anguish of Jenny Lumet’s recollection about our night together in 1991. I know Jenny and her family and have seen her several times over the years since the evening she described.
‘While her memory of that evening is very different from mine, it is now clear to me that her feelings of fear and intimidation are real. While I have never been violent, I have been thoughtless and insensitive in some of my relationships over many decades and I sincerely and humbly apologize.
‘This is a time of great transition. The voices of the voiceless, those who have been hurt or shamed, deserve and need to be heard. 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.
‘The companies will now be run by a new and diverse generation of extraordinary executives who are moving the culture and consciousness forward. I will convert the studio for yogic science into a not-for-profit center of learning and healing. As for me, I will step aside and commit myself to continuing my personal growth, spiritual learning and above all to listening.’
Lumet, now 50, is a screen writer. She says she knew Simmons for years before the alleged attack.