Russell Simmons Denies Multiple Rape Accusations With #NotMe Statement

After three woman have accused him of rape, Russell Simmons has spoken out against his accusers and has declared that he will now "properly defend myself."

READ:Russell Simmons Writes Open Letter Denying Sexual Assault Allegations

"I will prove without any doubt that I am innocent of all rape charges. Today, I will focus on 'The Original Sin' (Keri Claussen), the claim that created this insane pile on of my #MeToo. Stay tuned! We'll share evidence today…And tomorrow the case of Jenny Lumet. My intention is not to diminish the #MeToo movement in anyway, but instead hold the accusers accountable. #NotMe," Simmons wrote on his Instagram.

Claussen said late in November that Simmons had apologized to her privately for assaulting her in 1991, when she was 17. However, Simmons has denied her allegation.

Simmons is also reportedly facing an investigation from the New York Police Department. In a report from the Los Angeles Times, a source from the NYPD that the special victims unit has begun reaching out to women who say they were assaulted and harassed by Simmons.

Recently, three women went on the record and accused Simmons of rape. The news was published by the New York Times on Wednesday evening. One new additional woman accused Simmons of sexual misconduct.

All the women described Simmons as being relentless with his harassment. Drew Dixon recounted how Simmons would expose himself to her and talk openly about how she aroused him. In 1995, when she was 24, he raped her. She left the company soon after. She told the Times: "I was broken."

Tina Baker claimed Russell raped her in the early '90s. It was something that had a massive effect on her career. She fell into and depression. "I didn't sing for almost a year," she told the Times.

Simmons has denied all of these encounters, saying:

“I vehemently deny all these allegations. These horrific accusations have shocked me to my core and all of my relations have been consensual…I have enormous respect for the women’s movement worldwide and their struggle for respect, dignity, equality and power.”

As a result of the allegations Simmons has stepped down from his companies.