Former Def Jam Executive Files Lawsuit Accusing Russell Simmons of Rape

David Shankbone, via Wikimedia Commons

Music mogul Russell Simmons faces new rape allegations in a lawsuit filed Tuesday in New York federal court by a former Def Jam Recordings executive, who remains anonymous. The woman alleges Simmons sexually assaulted her at his New York apartment in the 1990s.

According to the lawsuit, the woman was a senior music executive and video producer at Def Jam when Simmons invited her to his apartment to review a video. However, the encounter allegedly turned violent, with Simmons engaging in nonconsensual sexual activity, as detailed in the lawsuit.

Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings in 1984, has not responded to the specific allegations in this lawsuit. He has previously denied all accusations of sexual misconduct, which have emerged in recent years, calling them "untrue" and "without merit."

This latest lawsuit comes amid Simmons' involvement in another legal case. Music executive L.A. Reid's defense team in a separate sexual assault lawsuit filed by former Arista Records and Def Jam executive Drew Dixon is seeking documents related to Dixon's accusations against Simmons. Dixon alleges Simmons raped her in 1995 and that Reid harassed her.

The lawsuit against Simmons is filed under New York's Adult Survivors Act, a recent law allowing survivors of sexual misconduct to file claims within a one-year window, regardless of the statute of limitations. This act has opened the door for several lawsuits against high-profile figures facing historical allegations, including Sean Combs, Jimmy Iovine, Neil Portnow, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Jamie Foxx, among others.

Usher Ties the Knot: R&B Star Marries Longtime Girlfriend Jennifer Goicoechea

Getty Images for The House of Creed and Remy Martin

Usher capped off an epic weekend by marrying longtime partner Jennifer Goicoechea in Las Vegas just hours after his electrifying Super Bowl LVIII halftime show on Sunday.

News of their marriage emerged after the Super Bowl performance and was confirmed by a marriage certificate obtained by CNN.

Usher married his longtime girlfriend in Downtown Las Vegas yesterday after the Super Bowl pic.twitter.com/pw6C4RxH4z

— Las Vegas Locally 🌴 (@LasVegasLocally) February 13, 2024

"We can confirm that Usher and Jennifer Goicoechea took the next step in their relationship and did get married on Sunday night in Las Vegas surrounded by close friends and family," a spokesperson for Usher said in a statement. "The couple look forward to continuing to raise their children together and express their gratitude for the well-wishes received."

Usher and Goicoechea share two children: daughter Sovereign Bo, born in 2020, and son Sire Castrello, born in 2021. Usher also has two sons, Usher V and Naviyd Ely, from his previous marriage to Tameka Foster.

The intimate ceremony took place at Vegas Weddings' Terrace Gazebo following Usher's thirteen-minute-long Super Bowl performance, where he delivered a crowd-pleasing medley of his greatest hits.

Usher Full Halftime Show Performance At The Super Bowl #SuperBowl #Usher #UsherBowl pic.twitter.com/skpqVTPoY4

— Miguel Austin (@miguelitopty) February 12, 2024

Usher's mother, Jonetta Patton, served as their witness during the ceremony, with a select group of close friends and family members in attendance.

Later that night, the newlyweds celebrated at Usher's album release party for "Coming Home." Jennifer wore a chic all-white pantsuit, while Usher sported a white floor-length fur coat over a black tuxedo, with a gold band now adorning his left ring finger.

R&B Legend Henry Fambrough of The Spinners Dies at 85

Henry Fambrough (second from right) as part of The Spinners in 1954.

Henry Fambrough, the last surviving original member of the iconic R&B group The Spinners, died
peacefully at his home in northern Virginia on Wednesday. He was 85.

Fambrough's passing was confirmed by group spokesperson Tanisha Jackson, who stated he died of natural causes.

The Spinners, known for hits like "It's a Shame," "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love" and "The Rubberband Man," were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2023. Fambrough, along with Billy Henderson, Pervis Jackson, Bobby Smith, Philippé Wynne and John Edwards, were honored as inductees.

(1/3) In Memoriam: Henry Fambrough was the last surviving founding member of 2023 Inductees the Spinners, one of the most beloved R&B vocal groups in the world. Initially signed to Motown as "The Detroit Spinners," the group's lush, soulful harmonies & magnetic stage presence... pic.twitter.com/BxbzZtNhQl

— Rock Hall (@rockhall) February 8, 2024

The group announced Fambrough's death on their Instagram account, calling him a "founding member of the legendary R&B/Soul vocal group" and praising his "euphonious baritone voice" and captivating stage presence.

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A post shared by The Spinners (@thespinnersofficial)

Fambrough, an Army veteran known for his signature handlebar mustache, was a key member of The Spinners during their classic hitmaking era, contributing to songs like "Ghetto Child," "I Don't Want To Lose You" and "Just As Long As We Have Love." He was the last surviving member of the group's original lineup, which also included Bobbie Smith, Billy Henderson, Pervis Jackson and Philippe Wynne.

The Spinners achieved widespread success, earning numerous accolades throughout their career, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and their recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Fambrough is survived by his wife of 52 years, Norma, daughter Heather Williams, son-in-law Ronald, sister Martha, and other extended family and friends.