Russell Simmons Says That Rihanna Post Was Meant for Everyone

Russell Simmons attends a Screening Of
Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

When Russell Simmons posted “Get Off Rihanna’s Dick,” an open letter defending Rihanna against a recent wave of slut-shaming, pretty much everyone (Vulture included) assumed it was directed at exes Chris Brown and Drake. So when we caught up with Simmons at last night’s screening of Virginia, hosted by the Cinema Society and Shesiedo, we asked if that interpretation was correct. “No, no particular song,” he told us. “I like those guys, they’re cool, especially Chris; I’ve been working with him. I like him, and Drake, obviously I’m fan of his, so it’s not really a judgment. It’s kind of like the whole industry. It’s not just them. They’re talking and everyone is, like, cheering them on.” So that was meant for everyone? “It’s just a double standard. It was obvious. Over the years I’ve seen it, I know how we are —guys versus girls, how guys judge women. I thought it was rude. As an older person in the industry, I just wanted to point it out.”

Russell Simmons: Rihanna Post Was for Everyone