Russell Simmons must face a New York rape lawsuit filed by a former Def Jam executive, despite his attempt to have the case thrown out because he now lives in Indonesia.
A New York state judge ruled that the anonymous woman’s civil lawsuit can move forward. The woman, identified in court papers as Jane Doe, alleges Simmons raped her in the 1990s when she worked in Def Jam’s music video department. Simmons has denied all wrongdoing.
“The complaint alleges the defendant committed the tort of rape in New York state,” Judge Adam Silvera wrote in the order, according to Billboard. The judge said New York courts may have authority over someone who commits an alleged wrongful act in the state, allowing the case to survive dismissal for now.
Simmons’ lawyers also argued that Doe had released any possible claims through a 1997 severance agreement. Doe’s attorneys say the document is a “sham” and that somebody forged her signature. Silvera said there is a “genuine dispute as to its authenticity,” meaning the issue will need evidence before the court decides whether it applies.
The case now moves into discovery, where both sides will exchange evidence and question witnesses, and a court conference is scheduled for August to set the next timeline.
Simmons, who founded Def Jam in 1984, has faced multiple sexual misconduct allegations in recent years. His attorneys wrote that he “hopes to vindicate himself” against the allegations.