Russell Simmons is addressing speculation surrounding his name appearing in the Epstein files.
While appearing on Podcast and Chill, Simmons dismissed rumors about any close connection to the convicted sex offender.
“My name is in the Epstein Files because a Ugandan model wanted to give me her bible,” Simmons said. “I know a Ugandan model. She was Miss Uganda.” According to Simmons, the other mention was due to a conversation involving Deepak Chopra.
“Deepak Chopra asked Jeffrey Epstein did he want to go to my house when Deepak was being honored for my art foundation,” Simmons explained. “That’s f—in’ it!”
He also said he does not remember ever meeting Epstein, who took his own life on August 10, 2019, while being held in New York City’s Metropolitan Correctional Center.
“I’ve been in a lot of circles,” Simmons added before joking that “every famous person is in there, somehow.”
The comments come as Simmons remains linked to multiple sexual misconduct allegations that surfaced during the #MeToo movement beginning in 2017. Women, including Drew Dixon, Jenny Lumet, Keri Claussen Khalighi, and Paz de la Huerta, publicly accused Simmons of rape, harassment, coercion, or misconduct connected to his influence in the entertainment industry.
Simmons has consistently denied allegations involving non-consensual sex and said his relationships were consensual.
Simmons was forced to step away from several companies and lives in Bali, Indonesia, where he reportedly operates a wellness resort.