Entrepreneur and record executive, Russell Simmons announced his decision to step down from his companies after facing accusations of sexual assault and harassment. Russell Simmons’s net worth in 2017 is estimated to be $340.0 million. Keep reading if you want to know more about the music mogul’s wealth, and details about Russell Simons’ sexual harassment allegations.
Chairman and CEO of Rush Communications, Russell Simmons was accused of sexual assault resulting from an instance in 1991. However, Simmons denied the allegations.
But now, another accusation against the hip-hop mogul has been made. Screenwriter Jenny Lumet recently revealed that Simmons also assaulted her in 1991, after offering her a ride home. After refusing his driver to take her home, the two ended up at Simmons’ place, where she alleged to have been forced into having sex with him. Simmons has since announced his decision to step down from his businesses releasing a statement that read:
“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. 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.”
Russell Simmons’ Net Worth
The biggest source of Simmons’ net worth comes from co-founding Def Jam Records, which made him a prominent name in hip-hop. More of Russell Simmons’ companies include Argyleculture, Tantris, and Phat Farm, all clothing lines, as well as Rush Communications Inc.
Birth of a Music Mogul
Born on October 4, 1957, in Queens, New York, Russell Simmons’ age is 60. He is the second of three sons born to Daniel Simmons Sr., a teacher, and Evelyn Simmons, an administrator. His brothers are painter Daniel Simmons Jr., and Rev. Run.
Simmons explained that his parents were extremely hardworking and inspiring, but living in Queens’ Jamaica neighborhood was heavily exposed to drugs. “Everybody shot dope… I used every drug there is… but it didn’t make me a bad person: it made me a sad person, a diseased person,” he said.
He graduated from August Martin High School in 1975, after which he enrolled in City College of New York, Harlem. It was there that he met Kurt Walker, who motivated him to get involved in hip-hop.
Russell Simmons’ Career
In 1977, Simmons saw MC Eddie Cheeba perform at Charles’ Gallery in Harlem, and that is how he knew he wanted to get into hip-hop. “Hearing Cheeba in ’77 made me feel like I had just witnessed the invention of the wheel,” he said.
In 1983, he co-founded Def Jam with Rick Rubin who, in 1996, reportedly sold his share of the company to Universal Music Group for $120.0 million.
Simmons continued to work hard and grow his businesses. Rush Communications Inc. has over 10 businesses and three non-profit companies. Along with Stan Lathan, the two produced several popular HBO hits such as Def Comedy Jam, and Def Poetry Jam. Not long before Russell Simmons stepped down, HBO announced the cancellation of his upcoming series, All Def Comedy, which was set to premiere on December 1.
There is no doubt that he is one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in hip-hop, with ventures in clothing companies, producer credits, and various enterprises.
Other Interests
Simmons is strict about his vegan diet, and is said to have shown more interest in political commentary in recent years. He is a Huffington Post contributor and he founded the lifestyle and entertainment site, GlobalGrind.com.
He also wrote the books: Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway…and More, Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success, Success Through Stillness, Life, Def: Sex, Drugs, Money, + God, The Happy Vegan, and Super Rich: Inside and Out.
Russell Simmons’ Ex-Wife and Kids
In 1992, Simmons met fashion model and designer, Kimora Lee during New York Fashion Week. Despite the huge age difference, they walked down the aisle on December 20, 1998, in a ceremony that was officiated by Rev. Run in St. Bart’s.
The couple welcomed their first child, Ming Lee Simmons, on January 21, 2000. Their second, Aoki Lee Simmons, was born on August 16, 2002. However, the couple decided to part ways estimated 2006 with Simmons releasing a statement:
“Kimora and I will remain committed parents and caring friends with great love and admiration for each other. We will also continue to work side by side on a daily basis as partners in all of our businesses.”
Two years after announcing their separation, Lee filed for divorce in March 2008, and it was finalized in January 2009.