We Speak Entertainment
Rape Allegations Against Russell Simmons Has Surfaced
Renowned in the media industry, the American entrepreneur, producer and author, Russell Simmons’ rape accusations have been the talk of the town on social media.
According to a report published in the Los Angeles Times, it was noted that around 7 of the sexual misconducts occurred within the vicinity of New York City. Thereafter, NYPD approached the women who have claimed to be a victim of Simmons’ misconduct.
The accusations date back to the 80’s when Drew Dixon, affiliated with Def Jam Recordings came forth with rape allegations to The New York Times. Following in the year 1995, Tine Baker and Toni Sallie opened up about their tragic experiences.
Sherri Hines, another woman, alleged Simmons raped her in his office back in the 80’s after which, four more women reported about having had suffered from the same experience.
These allegations led the mogul of hip-hop culture to step down from his various companies that were major contributors in the fashion and music industries.
In his defense, Simmons released a statement, saying, “These horrific accusations have shocked me to my core and all of my relations have been consensual.”
In addition, mentioning the allegations at hand, he said, “The presumption of innocent until proven guilty must not be replaced by ‘Guilty by Accusation.’”
Seeking refuge in the freedom for self-defense offered by social media, Simmons on Thursday took to Instagram, posting a #NotMe caption against the #MeToo trend followed by numerous sexual abuse victims all around the world.
“Today, I begin to properly defend myself. My intention is not to diminish the #MeToo movement in anyway, but instead hold my accuser accountable. #NotMe,” said Russell Simmons in a caption below his Instagram post.
He mentioned having apologized for ‘instances of thoughtlessness’ in his relationships but he went on to add, “What I will not accept is responsibility for what I have not done. I will relentlessly fight against any untruthful character assassination that paints me as a man of violence.
In his recent statement, Russell Simmons projected humility by accepting and apologizing for his shortcomings saying, “For any women from my past who I may have offended, I sincerely apologize. I am still evolving.”
Newark, NJ– The 24 Hours of Peace event, hosted by Mayor Ras J. Baraka was nothing short of electrifying. As the crowd funneled in, in droves, Newark’s own Zaraye took the stage and would deliver a performance that had the crowd and social media buzzing.
You felt the crowd’s palpable anticipation as some of us had first-row seats to watch her rehearse in the background before hitting the stage– and Zaraye more than lived up to the hype.
Making an immediate statement with her eccentric fashion choice– a sleek black leather jacket and top paired with a striking lime green plaid skirt. Zaraye’s edgy leather and vibrant plaid combo came together perfectly to showcase her unique style, fashion background and ensured to turn plenty of heads before she even dropped the beat to her first song.
Kicking off her set with her eagerly awaited single “23 Remix”, produced by Jersey’s own Kamillion, her vocals excited the crowd. As she and her background dancers, mirrored in her lime green and black color palate, delivered the high-energy, precise choreography crafted under the direction of her creative director, American rapper and choreographer, Sharaya J, phones shot into the air as fans were eager to capture every moment of the captivating routines.
The momentum continued to build as she transitioned into “Bougie”. Between Zaraye’s confident delivery and the dancers’ dynamic movements, the energy was on another level, showing an undeniable connection between Zaraye and her audience.
By the time her performance ended, social media was already buzzing and one thing was clear, she had made a positive impression on those attending the 24 Hours Of Peace event. The crowd raved about her standout moment with praises from her style to her stage presence and the electric atmosphere she created.
“I came out to the 24 Hours of Peace event to see one of my favorite artists, Honey Bxby. I was left excited to follow the journey of Zaraye. I think she will be a star soon too, Jersey stand up” said Jennifer Richardson– a 25 year old woman from Newark.
Zaraye performing Bougie at 24 Hours of Peace- Photo Courtesy of @nortographynyc 
Courtesy of Newark Press Office 
Courtesy of Newark Press Office 
Courtesy of Newark Press Office 
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka 
Courtesy of Newark Press Office 
Courtesy of Newark Press Office 
Former NBA Player Lance Stephenson 
Courtesy of Newark Press Office 
Courtesy of Newark Press Office 
Courtesy of Newark Press Office 
Courtesy of Newark Press Office 
Lola Brooks performing at 24 Hours of Peace 
Zaraye behind the scenes at 24 Hours of Peace- Photo Courtesy of @craigmartinpr
Zaraye’s performance was an amazing showcase of her amazing blend between music, fashion and choreography. She truly showcased herself as not only an upcoming talent but a formidable artist on the rise in the music industry. As videos of her performance continue to spread online, it will be pretty clear soon, her name will only get bigger from here.
The 24 Hrs of Peace event that took place on Friday and Saturday culminated a Peace Week in the city of Newark that started Friday, Aug. 17 and included an Artist Against Violence concert Wednesday, Aug. 21 at Newark Symphony Hall’s Terrace Ballroom on Broad Street.
“We fuse the power of hip-hop music and spoken word to lift, heal, and inspire peace in our city, empowering every resident in that process, and bringing healing, hope and happiness into everyday life,” Baraka of 24 Hrs of Peace said in a statement. “During this 24 Hrs of Peace, we celebrate the reality that women are at the center of our city’s evolution as a model of peace, progress and prosperity.”
-
We Speak Business7 days agoThe Mastermind Behind Peak Performance: James Gamet’s Inspiring Journey
-
We Speak Music1 week agoWaithaka: A 20-Year Legacy of Elevating African Music
-
We Speak Music6 days agoZkeletonz weave their vibrant 80’s synth wizardry to perfection on new single ‘Lonely’!
-
We Speak Electronic4 days ago“What U Want” by Music P & Marque Aurel is set to dominate dancefloors, out now on Mellow Daze