Russell Simmons has been spotted for the first time since heading to Bali after following multiple accusations of sexual misconduct in the past months.
The Def Jam Records co-founder appeared relaxed and refreshed while spending time out in the area near the Yoga Barn retreat in Ubud, on the Indonesian island of Bali.
The Queens, New York native, 60, was dressed down in a pair of purple harem pants and Adidas slides as he and a friend fetched a healthy lunch before visiting a nearby spa.
Namaste: Russell Simmons was spotted laying low near his Balinese yoga and wellness retreat Saturday, the businessman’s first spotting he decided to travel overseas following several sexual assault allegations against him
Russell didn’t appear worried that any of the locals would recognize or bother him.
The comfortably dressed music mogul rounded out his look with a white tee shirt and a matching hat.
It looked like he has picked up a few mementos during his time away to focus on ‘his spiritual and emotional health,’ donning a beaded necklace and slinging a yellow hobo bag across his body.
After getting some food, the multi-millionaire checked his phone and sipped on a bottle on kombucha.
Relaxed: The Queens, New York native, 60, was dressed down in a pair of purple harem pants and Adidas slides as he and a friend fetched a healthy lunch before visiting a nearby spa
Refreshing! After getting some food, the multi-millionaire checked his phone and sipped on a bottle on kombucha
Then he and his pal headed to a local spa.
Page Six first reported that Simmons had skipped town back on February 10, with a source explaining the avid yoga practitioner was taking time to devote himself to ‘yoga and meditation, as well as his spiritual and emotional health’.
‘He has also been seen wearing robes and walking the streets and markets of Ubud, the yoga town in the jungle,’ the source said.
The producer and businessman is also apparently working on a book, Page Six reports, but it won’t mention the rape allegations he’s accused of. An insider said Simmons will instead talk about spirituality, yoga and healing.
Time for a getaway? Page Six first reported that Simmons (above in November 2017) had left town on February 10, with a source saying ‘He has also been seen wearing robes and walking the streets and markets of Ubud, the yoga town in the jungle’ near his retreat
Over the past several months, 15 women have come forward to accuse Simmons of sexual misconduct.
Former Victoria’s Secret model Keri Claussen Khalighi was the first accuser to publicly allege that she had been raped by Simmons.
She claimed the music mogul raped her in his apartment as producer Brett Ratner watched and did nothing.
Other women then came forward with their own claims, including fashion PR maven Kelly Cutrone who alleged that Simmons had tried to assault her in 1991 but she managed to escape.
Simmons stepped down from his businesses and charities in December. He also released a lengthy statement vehemently denying the allegations insisting all of his relations were consensual.
‘I have already apologized for the instances of thoughtlessness in my consensual relations. I have separated myself from my businesses and charities in order to not become a distraction. I have re-dedicated myself to spiritual learning, healing and working on behalf of the communities to which I have devoted my life,’ he said. ‘What I will not accept is responsibility for what I have not done. I have conducted my life with a message of peace and love.
He added: ‘Although I have been candid about how I have lived in books and interviews detailing my flaws, I will relentlessly fight against any untruthful character assassination that paints me as a man of violence.’
Serious claims: Over the past several months, 15 women have come forward to accuse Simmons (above in October 2017) of sexual misconduct, including Victoria’s Secret model Keri Claussen Khalighi and fashion PR maven Kelly Cutrone, among others