Foxy Brown Defends Russell Simmons in Wake of Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Foxy penned an open letter, saying, "The man I’ve known and loved, was nothing more than the respectful, respected, gentleman."

Russell Simmons and Foxy Brown
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Foxy Brown, Russell Simmons and David Rosenberg attends the YFC by Yellow Fever Spring 2011 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Capitale on September 15, 2010.

Russell Simmons and Foxy Brown

Foxy Brown has come to Russell Simmons’ defense.

Several months after multiple women accused the Def Jam co-founder of sexual misconduct, Foxy expressed her support for the hip-hop mogul in an open letter published via Instagram on Saturday. The letter was accompanied by a photo of Brown sitting next to Russell at a fashion show with Sizzla’s "Solid as a Rock” playing.

“Attesting to the character of the man who, as a teenager saved my life. Salaciousness and scandal garners headlines. Cowards cower,” she wrote in the caption. “But as inarguably, Russell’s biggest Def Jam female protege, (who birthed an era of overtly evocative stars), the man I’ve known and loved, was nothing more than the respectful, respected, gentleman and GODFATHER OF HIP-HOP we’ve all adored. In staunch support, Praying for you Russ!”

Foxy’s career had taken off shortly after she inked a deal with Def Jam Records back in 1996. Since then, the 39-year-old rapper has consistently credited Simmons for helping her reach mainstream success, as well as showing her support as she endured personal struggles, like battling hearing loss.

In wake of the #MeToo movement, more than a dozen of women—including Insecure actress Amanda Seales and fashion publicist Kelly Cutrone—have come forth to accuse Simmons of sexual harassment and/or assault. Though Simmons has denied the allegations, the controversy has prompted him to step away from his companies, including Rush Communications.

“These horrific accusations have shocked me to my core. I am blessed to have shared extraordinary relationships, whether through work or love, with many great women; and I have enormous respect for the women’s movement worldwide and their struggle for respect, dignity, equality and power,” Simmons wrote in a statement to Rolling Stone in January. “I am devastated by any reason I may have given to anyone to say or think of me in the ways that are currently being described. I have already apologized for the instances of thoughtlessness in my relationships with women. I have separated myself from my businesses and charities in order to not become a distraction. I have re-dedicated myself to spiritual learning, healing and working on behalf of the communities to which I have devoted my life.”

Earlier this week, Simmons confirmed he had fled to Bali to for “spiritual maintenance.”

The NYPD is currently reviewing a number of rape allegations brought against the hip-hop mogul.

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