💰 Russell Simmons Quietly Settles With 3 of 6 Women in Ongoing Misconduct Case — Still Owes $8M to Others 👀

Music mogul Russell Simmons has reportedly reached settlements with three of the six women who accused him of sexual misconduct, according to new reports.

The women include Sherri Abernathy, who accused Simmons of raping her in 1983; Sil Lai Abrams, who alleged rape in 1994; and Wendy Franco, whose 2023 settlement referenced payment for “physical injuries and sickness.”

Attorneys for Abrams, Franco, and Abernathy confirmed that the matter had been resolved just days after Rolling Stone reached out to Simmons for comment. The details of the settlements remain confidential.

However, Simmons’ legal troubles aren’t over. As of January 2025, the Def Jam co-founder reportedly still owes $8 million to the remaining three women — Tina Klein-Baker, Toni Sallie, and Alexia Jones — and has only paid about $220,000 toward that balance.

Court documents show Simmons has claimed to be broke, stating he “owns no property in the United States” and has been “crying poverty.” In a separate defamation case filed by music executive Drew Dixon, who accused him of rape in 2017, Simmons’ lawyers said he owes them over $100,000 in unpaid legal fees. He also allegedly failed to pay a $15,000 court penalty after missing a hearing.

Importantly, the settlement documents specify that Simmons’ payments do not represent any admission of guilt or wrongdoing — a standard clause in civil agreements of this kind.

While the financial and legal drama continues, the once-revered hip-hop mogul’s legacy remains clouded by controversy and unresolved accusations.