Author Sil Lai Abrams Accuses Russell Simmons and A.J. Calloway of Sexual Assault

Afro-Chinese American author Sil Lai Abrams has accused Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons and “Extra” host A.J. Calloway of sexual assault.

Following the recent #MeToo movement, the domestic violence activist who originally withheld her assaulters’ names in her 2007 book “No More Drama” has publicly released their identities.

Abrams stated that Simmons allegedly raped her in 1994 after a night of drinking. Instead of having his driver take her home as she asked, Simmons took her to his penthouse and took advantage of her while she was inebriated.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Abrams told MSNBC’s Joy Reid, “I needed to tell my story, to say his name out loud, to let people know what he had done to me.”

The author also exposed BET host A.J. Calloway of sexual assault in 2006. After the two had worked together for a small nonprofit fundraiser, Abrams detailed how Calloway forced himself upon her after an outing.

She alleged that Calloway tried to kiss and fondle her while driving home. He reportedly exposed himself and grabbed her hand onto him until he ejaculated.

In regards to her decision to expose both Simmons and Calloway, Abrams explained that she wanted to dismiss this “one-and-done idea of assault.” She said that many people experience multiple attacks in their lives but “it’s just not spoken of.”

Simmon’s attorney Patricia Glaser, who is also known to have represented Harvey Weinstein, released the following statement on Simmons’ behalf:

“Russell Simmons provided overwhelming material to THR [The Hollywood Reporter] (some on the record and some off the record) to support his unequivocal denial of any wrongdoing and THR chose to ignore it. It is extremely disappointing that a 24-year-old story, which did not get past very credible news outlets, was published in light of the massive contrary evidence.”

Calloway’s lawyer Lisa E. Davis also released a statement on his behalf:

“I was disappointed to read the false allegations about me in The Hollywood Reporter. As I have maintained from the beginning, these allegations are not true. When I was first notified about these allegations by law enforcement more than a decade ago, I fully cooperated from the beginning and the case was dismissed.

“THR chose to publish these meritless allegations without a thorough investigation of the facts. I intend to vigorously defend my reputation against these false accusations and will not let this cause further harm to my family.”

There is currently a total of 17 women who have accused Simmons of sexual misconduct. He has denied all of these allegations.

Featured Image via Twitter / @Sil_Lai

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