Uncle Russ is on the line all the way from Bali to speak out about the documentary that's been a topic of debate for months.
Russell Simmons has been quarantined in the land of tranquility on a pursuit of self-realization. Being in the headlines for alleged sexual harassment has surely created struggles but makes the journey that much more important. Especially with On The Record hitting HBO.
The #MeToo movement-themed documentary covering claims of sexual abuse against the music mogul premiered on the exclusive network this year on May 27th. There's been a mix of reactions since it's Sundance debut in January and it seems like not much has changed. Oprah Winfrey involvement and last minute separation from the project added to the conversation. Many people had their opinions about it and Simmons made his clear this morning.
"You know, when I first heard about this documentary, I was thrilled to know that Oprah was involved. Because I thought -and I told many people- it was impossible for her to go forward."
"I'm guilty of having underwritten, supported, made soundtracks for, taken advantage of, and lived in a grossly unjust society. I helped write the song 'I'm A Hoe' with Whodini...I know what I'm guilty of and I've been unconscious as a playboy and, today, the title appropriate is 'womanizer.' So, I'm guilty of that...I went out every night and I looked for new girls to date and almost all of them are my friends today. In fact, everyone I mentioned certainly all the ones that I'm referring to when I talk about supermodels from all over the world, these are friends today and they never- they don't have the experience of me being the monster that the movie makes me to be."
Through is teachings in Bali, he's found comfort in knowing that God comes in many forms during hard times to "sort things out." Apparently, "Queen Oprah" came in the form of an investigative journalist. Knowing that she's a person of "integrity" made him confident she wouldn't be able to go forward with the stories, he feels validates his innocence. In an odd twist, Uncle Rush has no serious qualms about the film being released.
"I'm sorry the movie is out, but at the same time, I'm glad they had their moment to say what they wanted to say. I could never say that someone doesn't feel victimized 30 years ago. These stories are 25 to 40-years-old. I can't say someone doesn't feel victimized. I can tell you that I don't feel I victimized them."
Another nod to his confidence of not being this "monster" is the fact that he took nine different lie-detector tests that were 95% accurate.
"Any investigative reporter would tell you that those stories shouldn't have been printed. Much less, made a movie about."
Though Russell found himself being the only man of color among 25 other men facing similar accusations in the industry, he's taken a zen-like twist on the outcome. Instead of being sour, he believes God has handed him these experiences to help him grow. He's a self-proclaimed serious supporter of the women's movement and looks forward to the evolving changes of relationships between men and women.
Listen to the full interview on how the death of Andre Harrell has effected him, learn about his healthy vegan practices, his strive for female inclusivity for the world's survival, and much more above.