Disgraced Mogul Russell Simmons Evades Millions in Misconduct Settlement Payments

In November 2025, former Def Jam mogul Russell Simmons finds himself embroiled in a legal and financial quagmire as he stands accused of failing to pay over $3 million in settlements to five women who have accused him of sexual misconduct.

Simmons, who has been residing in Bali since 2018, has allegedly neglected to fulfill agreements made with his accusers, including Wendy Franco, Sil Lai Abrams, and Sherri Abernathy, who say he owes them a combined $3 million. Additionally, court filings show Simmons owes at least $8 million to three other accusers - Tina Klein-Baker, Toni Sallie, and Alexia Jones - of which he has only paid $220,000 thus far.

The nonpayment has taken a significant emotional toll on the women, who describe the situation as "devastating" and feeling "stupid" for trusting Simmons to uphold his end of the settlements. Abernathy, a former member of the pioneering all-female hip-hop group Mercedes Ladies, says the ordeal has been "like living a nightmare over and over."

Simmons, who has denied the misconduct allegations, has gone on the offensive, filing a defamation lawsuit against HBO and the filmmakers behind the 2020 documentary "On the Record," which featured interviews with several of his accusers. The mogul claims the documentary "disregarded" evidence and witness statements supporting his innocence.

Despite his legal troubles, Simmons appears to maintain a lavish lifestyle in Bali, posting social media updates about his wellness-focused activities. However, his financial woes extend beyond the settlements, with court filings indicating he owes over $100,000 in legal fees and is unable to pay a $15,000 court penalty.

The unresolved situation exemplifies the challenges many survivors face in seeking justice and closure through the legal system, as Simmons' continued evasion of payments has left his accusers in a prolonged state of emotional and financial limbo.