Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Russell Simmons Steps Down from Businesses after Accusations
The music producer, who helped start the Diamond Empowerment Fund, is stepping down after two women came forward with claims that he sexually assaulted them.
New York--The last few weeks have continually brought news of men in positions of power being fired or resigning in the wake of sexual harassment or assault claims, the latest of which have included CBS This Morning host Charlie Rose and popular Today show anchor Matt Lauer.
Now, the news includes a prominent figure who also has a small presence in the jewelry industry.
Russell Simmons, music and TV producer, founder of Def Jam Recordings and co-founder of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, has announced that he is stepping down from his businesses after claims of sexual assault from two women.
A Nov. 19 article published in the Los Angeles Times detailed an incident between the music mogul and model Keri Claussen Khalighi, in which she accused Simmons of sexual assault and harassment in 1991.
Simmons denied the incident in a letter published in The Hollywood Reporter just days later and also posted a statement on his website.
His denial prompted award-winning screenwriter Jenny Lumet (“The Mummy,” “Rachel Getting Married”) to pen a column published in The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday, in which she detailed an encounter with him at the age of 24 and accused him of sexual assault.
Just hours after her column was posted, Simmons released a statement via his Instagram account, announcing that he would step back from his leadership roles at the companies he has founded in order to, as he said, “commit myself to continuing my personal growth, spiritual learning and above all to listening.”
Simmons said in his statement: “I know Jenny and her family and have seen her several times over the years since the evening she described. While her memory of that evening is very different from mine, it is now clear to me that her feelings of fear and intimidation are real.”
He added that, “While I have never been violent, I have been thoughtless and insensitive in some of my relationships over many decades and I sincerely apologize.”
He said those who have been hurt or shamed deserve to be heard. “As the corridors of power inevitably make way for a new generation, I don’t want to be a distraction so I am removing myself from the businesses that I founded.”
HBO and JC Penney have also announced since that they are cutting ties with the producer.
Simmons is best known as the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, one of
Since then, he’s been producing, writing and guest starring on reality series “Run’s House,” and has founded a number of other companies under his umbrella company Rush Communications Inc., which includes more than 10 businesses and three non-profits.
Simmons co-founded the Diamond Empowerment Fund in 2007, along with leaders in the diamond and jewelry industry, to support initiatives that develop and empower people in diamond communities worldwide.
He also started Simmons Jewelry Co., which produced stainless steel jewelry mostly geared toward men and was sold at a number of large chain stores as well as some independent jewelers. The company no longer appears to be active.
When contacted by National Jeweler via email for a comment on the news or his future involvement with DEF, Executive Director and Vice President Nancy Orem Lyman said only that Russell Simmons has not been a voting member of the DEF board of directors “for many years.”
She also said: “Our organization continues to be run by prominent leaders spanning the industry, all of whom are dedicated to our mission and message. This will not change.”
The Latest
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.