Russell Simmons Walks Away Unscathed From Rape Lawsuit Filed By Anonymous Accuser

The $10 million lawsuit alleged Simmons was responsible for a 1988 incident that involved "sexual battery" and "intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress."

Russell Simmons wins a 2018 lawsuit filed against him by an anonymous rape accuser who also alleged he intimidated her. The Hollywood Reporter notes the suit exists outside of the statute of limitations since it was filed four years too late. 

In March 2018 the woman filed the $10 million lawsuit alleging sexual battery and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Simmons denied the claims and state her story was “pure fiction,” he also said it was all a “vile” extortion attempt. In the past, he’s vehemently denied rape allegations from other accusers. 

On November 13, L.A. Superior Court judge Mark H. Epstein entered judgment in favor of Simmons, this was after the anonymous accuser’s claims were proven to be from a 1988 incident. Due to the timing of the allegations they were ruled time-barred or outside the statute of limitations. The judge found that Jane Doe would have needed to file her complaint in 1990, but even if she argued about the deadline because Simmons didn’t live in the state, she would have needed to file by 2014. 

Two weeks were given to the accuser to file an opposition to the judge’s motion, she chose to not file. This was exactly how Simmons came out unscathed from the $10 million lawsuit, the judge ruled in his favor. 

HBO Max’s On The Record documentary released earlier this year provides a closer look at how Simmons targeted Black women. The documentary centers around Drew Dixon, Sil Lai Abrams, Sheri Sher, and five other women including one anonymous woman who came forward and shared their experiences with Simmons. On The Record refers to 20 different women who’ve accused Simmons of sexual assault and misconduct.