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Premiere Of Screen Gems' 'The Perfect Guy' - Arrivals

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Since the New York Times broke the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal, hundreds of women and men have come forward with their own allegations against powerful men in the industry.

Now, one of those men being accused is Russell Simmons, who allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in 1991 after inviting her over to his house after a casting call.

According to the Los Angele Times, Keri Claussen Khalighi, who was 17 at the time of the alleged assault, added that film producer Brett Ratner allegedly watched the assault and did nothing.

Khalighi claims that the incident occurred at Simmons’ apartment in New York in 1991, when the music mogul “began making aggressive sexual advances” and took off her clothes while Ratner did nothing.

“I looked over at Brett and said ‘help me’ and I’ll never forget the look on his face,” Khalighi said.

“In that moment, the realization fell on me that they were in it together.”

ALSO READ: #SolidarityIsForWhiteWomen: Lena Dunham Defends Friend Accused Of Raping Black Actress

Khalighi also told the LA Times that Simmons tried forcing her to have sex with him, adding that she eventually “acquiesced” to performing oral sex. Khalighi alleges that Simmons later penetrated her without permission in the shower.

Simmons is denying the account, saying in a statement: “I know Keri Claussen Khalighi and remember the weekend in 1991 that she has referenced. Everything that happened between us 26 years ago was completely consensual and with Keri’s full participation. I completely and unequivocally deny the horrendous allegations of non-consensual sex against me with every fiber of my being.”

Ratner’s attorney Martin Singer said the film producer did not see her “protest” Simmons’ advances.

Mind you, this was a 17-year-old girl when Simmons was 34 at the time and Ratner 22.

However, this isn’t the first time the duo has been accused of sexual assault. Earlier this month,Variety reported that both men had been investigated for sexual battery against a 29-year-old woman in 2001.The woman told Beverly Hills police that she was held against her will at a home by “two males who both unlawfully touched her.”

The Huff Post noted that charges were never filed in the case because of insufficient evidence, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office told both Variety and The L.A. Times.

When news hit of the newest allegation, folks flocked to Twitter, including actor Terry Crews, to share their thoughts.

Here’s Crews pouring up some serious tea.

Ratner has his own slew of solo sexual misconduct allegations lodged against him, including actress Olivia Munn.

BEAUTIES: What do you think about these new rape allegations against Russell Simmons?

RELATED NEWS:

Terry Crews Describes Alleged Sexual Assault By Male Hollywood Exec: ‘To The Casualties Of This Behavior, You Are Not Alone’

#MeToo: Lupita Nyong’o Opens Up About Her Past Experiences With Harvey Weinstein, ‘I Felt Unsafe’

Harvey Weinstein Tries To Drag Oprah Into His Sexual Assault Scandal

 

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