NYPD investigating Russell Simmons for rape allegations

Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The New York Police Department has opened an investigation into allegations that Russell Simmons raped multiple women, according to reports.

An NYPD official not authorized to speak about the investigation told the Los Angeles Times that detectives are in the process of reaching out to women who have accused the music mogul of sexual misconduct.

According to CNN, the NYPD opened the investigation into Simmons without a complaint made directly to them.

At least 11 women have accused Simmons of sexual misconduct.

Simmons, meanwhile, proclaimed his innocence on Instagram along with a image of the hashtag #NOTME, in response to the #METOO movement.

"Today, I begin to properly defend myself. I will prove without any doubt that I am innocent of all rape charges," he wrote.

Today, I begin to properly defend myself. I will prove without any doubt that I am innocent of all rape charges. Today, I will focus on "The Original Sin" (Keri Claussen), the claim that created this insane pile on of my #MeToo. Stay tuned! We'll share information today... And tomorrow the case of Jenny Lumet. My intention is not to diminish the #MeToo movement in anyway, but instead hold my accusers accountable. #NotMe Again, this is not a movement against or even in conjunction with #Metoo . It's just a statement about my innocence.

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A post shared by Russell Simmons (@unclerush) on Dec 14, 2017 at 6:32am PST