Three women accuse Russell Simmons of sexual assault

NEW YORK: At least three women say that they were raped by hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons (pic), who recently left his business empire following abuse allegations, The New York Times reported.

The hip-hop legend denied the rape accusations – which date back to 1988 – and voiced support for the growing movement of women speaking out against abusive men.

Simmons, 60, announced on Nov 30 that he was stepping down from his business roles after two women accused him of assault, which he also denied.

But The New York Times article on Wednesday described an alleged pattern of behaviour by the enormously influential Def Jam Recordings co-founder, who was accused of preying on women entering the industry.

Tina Baker, a singer who has performed back-up for Madonna and Bruce Springsteen, said Simmons was her manager when he invited her to his apartment in 1990 or 1991.

She told the newspaper that he pinned her down and raped her.

The Times said the account was confirmed by four people close to her including her ex-husband and therapist.

Simmons said he never had sex with Baker.

He said in a statement: “I vehemently deny all these allegations. I have accepted that I can and should get dirt on my sleeves if it means witnessing the birth of a new consciousness about women.”