Russell Simmons has responded defensively after actor Taraji P. Henson faced criticism for spending time with him at his Bali resort. Simmons, 66, told critics to “knock it off” after backlash arose from a photo he shared of himself with “The Color Purple” star in Indonesia. Critics expressed disappointment with Henson for associating with Simmons, who has faced multiple accusations of sexual assault.

The Def Jam Recordings co-founder has long been accused of sexual misconduct, rape, and defamation, and is currently a defendant in sexual assault and defamation lawsuits filed in February. However, in a video response posted on Instagram Live, Simmons avoided discussing these allegations. Instead, he criticized Black people who “demonize” him while supporting former President Trump. He also highlighted his contributions to the Black community and denied that he is “hiding” to escape legal consequences.

Simmons emphasized his involvement with Black Lives Matter and other movements supporting women and LGBTQ+ people, saying, “Black people, did you forget that I got 10,000 Black men out of jail? That I changed the factory farming industry forever? That I registered more of you to vote than probably anybody you know?” He added, “To let them demonize me in such a way that my friends cannot visit me without you attacking them—but yet you stand next to Donald Trump? Knock it off.”

He also dismissed the idea that he is evading the U.S. legal system, stating, “I’ll be in New York next week. This idea that I’m hiding is stupid. I call the paparazzi on myself every time I’m there. I have an office on Wilshire Boulevard. I’m there all the time. I work out of New York sometimes, but I live here [in Bali]. I live here to heal people.”

Simmons spends much of his time in Bali, where he founded the Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort. Henson visited the resort last summer and again earlier this month, prompting Simmons to thank her in a post where he praised her as a person who “exudes healing energy.” While some of his followers appreciated the photo, others criticized both him and Henson.

Simmons relocated to Bali in 2018 following multiple allegations of rape, sexual harassment, and misconduct, which he denies. He insists that his move is not an attempt to evade legal action. In February, a former Def Jam music video producer accused Simmons of raping her in his Manhattan apartment in the 1990s, and writer, producer, and activist Drew Dixon also filed a defamation lawsuit against him.

Despite his denials, Simmons’ response to the backlash over Henson’s visit has sparked further criticism. Social media users reacted negatively, with some accusing him of shifting blame onto the Black community instead of addressing the allegations directly.

Representatives for both Henson and Simmons have not yet responded to requests for comment.