Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, is at risk of having some of his assets seized after failing to pay a $3 million settlement owed to three women who accused him of sexual misconduct.
According to legal documents published by Variety, Simmons, who recently showed support for Diddy, missed the October 1 deadline to fulfill the agreed-upon payments.
The settlement involved three women: Sil Lai Abrams, Sherri Abernathy, and Wendy Carolina Franco. On October 2, the trio filed confessions of judgment with the New York Supreme Court, proving that Simmons had agreed to compensate them for “alleged personal, physical injuries and sickness.”
While Simmons has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the settlements were intended to close the legal disputes. The terms specified that Simmons would pay $1.265 million each to Abrams and Abernathy, while Franco was to receive $515,000.
However, Simmons’ failure to meet the deadline puts him at risk of serious legal consequences. If he defaults on the payments, the women have the legal right to seek compensation by force, which could involve the seizure of his assets.
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The court filing did not clarify why Simmons settled, but Abrams has previously accused the 66-year-old of rape, detailing her allegations in the documentary On the Record.
This latest development adds to a series of legal challenges for the media mogul. Over 20 women have accused Simmons of sexual misconduct over the years, although he continues to deny all allegations. He has not been criminally charged in relation to these claims.
Russell Simmons lives outside America
Simmons, who now resides in Bali, has remained vocal in his defense. He has pointed to his social activism and contributions to causes like prison reform and Black Lives Matter as evidence of his positive impact, while continuing to dismiss the allegations against him.
In recent public appearances, he has criticized those who keep resurfacing the accusations, stressing that he has never been charged or convicted.
