Russell Simmons sued over alleged rape of Def Jam executive in the 1990s

Plaintiff alleges she faced harassment and battery by the hip-hop mogul and that her career was stalled by his assaultive behavior'

Russell Simmons, the 1990s rap and hip-hop music business impresario, is facing a claim of sexual harassment and battery brought by a former executive at Def Jam Recordings, the pioneering label Simmons founded with producer Rick Rubin.

The Jane Doe" plaintiff, described as a former senior music executive and video producer at the label, filed suit in New York federal court on Tuesday, saying her career was stalled by Simmons's alleged harassment of her in the 1990s.

Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html