By Sara M Moniuszko, USA TODAY
Russell Simmons is stepping down from his various businesses following a new accusation of sexual misconduct against him Thursday, according to a statement he provided to The Hollywood Reporter.
The music mogul made the decision after new accuser, writer Jenny Lumet (Rachel Getting Married), came forward in a guest column with the entertainment magazine, accusing the Def Jam co-founder of forcing her to have sex in 1991.
“This is a time of great transition… I don’t want to be a distraction so I am removing myself from the businesses that I founded,” he wrote. ” As for me, I will step aside and commit myself to continuing my personal growth, spiritual learning and above all to listening.”
