Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney
“I have great respect for their mission but given the filmmakers’ desire to premiere the film at the Sundance Film Festival before I believe it is complete, I feel it’s best to step aside,” she continued. “I will be working with Time’s Up to support the victims and those impacted by abuse and sexual harassment.”
From 2017 to 2019, Simmons was accused of rape and sexual misconduct by at least 15 women.
Jennifer Jarosik accused the producer of rape in a January 2018 lawsuit but she and Simmons filed a joint stipulation of dismissal with prejudice in April. At the time of Jarosik’s filing, Simmons issued a statement, saying in part, “This allegation is absolutely untrue. I look forward to having my day in court—where, unlike the court of public opinion, I will have the ability to make use of fair processes that ensure that justice will be done and that the full truth will be known.”
A Jane Doe went on to accuse the producer of rape in a separate lawsuit. However, the case was dismissed by the judge because of the statute of limitations.
In a previous statement addressing Doe’s accusations, Simmons told E! News, in part, “I vehemently deny all these allegations. These horrific accusations have shocked me to my core and all of my relations have been consensual.”
