Remember Lena Horne? Her look-alike granddaughter accused Russell Simmons of sexual assault
Lena Horne was a singer and activist in her days. Her granddaughter, Jenny Lumet, grew to become a screenwriter and last year, famously accused Russell Simmons of sexual assault.
Singer and Actress Lena Horne Arrived Too Soon for Hollywood https://t.co/jJX2R0Z1Dk
— Variety (@Variety) June 23, 2017
Before November 2017, Lumet was mostly known for her screenwriting work in “Rachel Getting Married” and “The Mummy.” That changed after Russell Simmons released a statement to deny the sexual assault allegations leveled against him by model Keri Claussen Khalighi. The media mogul said in his statement:
"I have never committed any acts of aggression or violence in my life. I would never knowingly cause fear or harm to anyone."
His claims prompted Lumet to write a lengthy letter, detailing how he assaulted her when she was “around 24.” She reminded Simmons how they met through a mutual friend and hung out frequently in the same circles.
Actress and singer Lena Horne was born #otd 100 years ago. She epitomized hot and she epitomized cool. https://t.co/gOv64yEITZ pic.twitter.com/Jeejpe02nG
— Daily News Flashback (@NYDNFlashback) June 30, 2017
THE UGLY RIDE
Lumet recalled that the entertainment tycoon made advances toward her, which she denied. Then one day he offered her a ride, and things turned ugly:
“I got into the car with you. The driver began to drive. I assumed you knew where I lived, because you had sent me 250 balloons, but I gave the driver my address on 19th Street and 2nd Avenue.
You said to the driver: ‘No.’
I didn't understand, so I said: ‘Russell?’
I said, again, to the driver: ‘19th Street.’
Again you said to the driver: ‘No.’
Then the car doors locked. It was loud. The noise made me jump.”
The incomparable Lena Horne was born on this day in 1917. Listen to this archival interview with Horne on the lack of progress for racial equality in America. https://t.co/GPSqhNvT6W #AmericanMastersPBS pic.twitter.com/N6j11KhOKe
— American Masters (@PBSAmerMasters) June 30, 2018
The award-winning writer explained how Simmons took her to his home against her will that night. She disclosed that he started groping her right from the elevator and eventually performing sexual acts on her.
The letter exposed the pain, dread, and a myriad of emotions felt by the young Lumet, as she remembers thinking, "Just keep him calm, and you'll get home."
Russell Simmons allegedly sexually assaulted award-winning screenwriter Jenny Lumet https://t.co/Yly17YmYT2 pic.twitter.com/vNoaU38NF6
— The Root (@TheRoot) November 30, 2017
SIMMONS' REACTION TO LUMET'S CLAIMS
The explosive letter led to Simmons tendering a public apology and stepping down from his businesses. In his words:
“I will step aside and commit myself to continuing my personal growth, spiritual learning and above all to listening.”
The screenwriter of 'Rachel Getting Married' and 'The Mummy' claims sexual assault by Russell Simmons, who now says he is stepping down from his businesses https://t.co/3aoZb9q6jw
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 30, 2017
MORE TROUBLE FOR SIMMONS
More recently, in July this year, the Def Jam co-founder was accused by yet another lady, Alexia Norton Jones, who claimed he raped her after a date in 1990. Simmons denied the allegations in a statement that reads in part:
“At no time did she share these feelings about her first sexual encounter with me, which took place roughly 28 years ago. …Alexia and I dated, were intimate and attended multiple events together after she alleges the incident occurred in 1990…”
JAMIE'S TROUBLES
Jamie Foxx is another celebrity who has been accused of sexual assault in recent times. An unidentified female told the Police that the actor slapped her with his penis 16 years ago after she refused to grant him oral sex.

Getty Images
The "Ray" actor denied the claims and promised to take legal action.