Trigger Warning: This newsletter contains discussions and references to abuse, including emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. It’s understood that these topics can be distressing and may trigger intense emotional responses.
“We can’t give grace to abusers when empathy isn’t given to the abused.” - Shareece Williams
We all remember the moment finding out that Russell Simmons is a serial rapist and that moment felt grinchy. For me, it was 2017 when some of the first allegations came out against him. This was interesting because it was almost similar to the Bill Cosby case, but was worse than you could ever imagine.
Since the premiere of “On the Record,” the legal battles between Russell Simmons and his accusers have continued. It's truly heartbreaking to witness the impact he has had on women who aspired to pursue careers in the music industry. All of the women affected by the horrifying behavior of Russell Simmons have suffered some type of career malfunction. Their stories are similar but their emotions are different from what a normal life looks like.
In 1995, Drew Dixon was making a name for herself, while working with artists, like Method Man and Mary J. Blige when she found herself in a situation with Russell Simmons that changed her life forever. This was during a time when many young women of color in New York City were trying to develop their lives as creative working entities in the music business but it always seemed like abuse was around the corner. That said, speaking out at the time, didn’t seem to be the right move for her career. Honestly, this is something that women in the music industry go through on a regular basis.
Russell went on to sexually abuse many other women within the industry. However, who’s to say he didn’t do the same to women outside of the industry? The list of women he has “allegedly” assaulted is very extensive and highly mind-blowing which includes: (doesn’t include the most recent Jane Doe’s)
Drew Dixon
Toni Sallie
Tina Baker
Sherri Star
Sal Lai Abrams
Jenny Lumet
Luann de Lesseps
Alexia Norton Jones
This newsletter isn't about "Who is Russell Simmons?" but a wake-up call for industry professionals. It's essential to not only take control of the situation but also ensure that the stories are shared. I really don’t care about the contributions this man has given to the music industry. I think he is one of the most useless music moguls we have ever had and the proof is within the sorrows of women affected by his presence.
With the recent support from celebrities who clearly aware of the abuse that is happening within the industry, the public is starting to realize that “they really don’t care about us” the victims and survivors of abuse even if that includes themselves. He spent over 30 years abusing women within the industry, and today we have people like Taraji P Henson, Usher, and so many more supporting him on his escape journey to Bali.
To be honest, I am here for the accused, calling their friends out because on one hand, they present to the public as if they give any fucks about the mental health of the abused and then on the other hand, they are supporting people who contributed to mental illnesses. Taraji P. Henson has been a mental health advocate since 2018 and the public has supported her journey through acting for over fifteen years so to see another Black Woman devalue their brand in support of an “accused” abuser is heartbreaking and very concerning. She’s always talking about the mental health crisis within the black community, especially black women. So to see her actively support a man who is accused of being a rapist is not only disappointing, but it is very disrespectful to the cause.
In our culture, we are expected to stay quiet and heal from the pain that was caused by others. However, we can’t sit back and watch public figures be a representation of abusers while everyone else is being shitted on. It’s not a laughing matter, nor is it something that anyone can forget. We are aware of the politics in the music culture but the silence has to cease.
“Expecting pain to be unspoken forever is just a waste of time.” - Shareece Williams
With that being said, I appreciate every single victim and survivor, who comes out against abusers, because without them, we don’t have the representation we need to survive in this life. So when you ask the question “why now?” understand that you are not only triggering the abused, but you are proving the point of nobody caring about victims.
The matter of every fact in abuse situations is that the act itself happened and there’s nothing you can do to take that away from the victim. Therefore, speaking out against these abusers whether it’s 20 years later or a day later matters.
“It’s funny how celebrities become very spiritual when it’s time to support acts of abuse.” - Shareece Williams
“We can’t talk about success without talking the evil that comes with it as well." - Justin Tinsley
Even though many women experienced some of the same mistreatment and abusive harassment it is hard for some to stand up and say something has happened. If you need help please call (800-799-7233).
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