Archive for Russell Simmons

Brett Ratner Was ‘Too Hard On Himself,’ Russell Simmons Says

Hours after Brett Ratner resigned his post as producer of the Academy Awards in the aftermath of his quote that “rehearsing is for f—s,” his buddy Russell Simmons stopped by Big Morning Buzz Live. After chatting about his book, Super Rich, and the passing of Heavy D, the hip-hop mogul came to the defense of the Tower Heist director, though not to the defense of his words.

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“I understand how hurtful his words were, and I know Brett’s unfiltered and says sometimes horrible things,” Simmons began, insisting that Ratner didn’t mean his remark as a homophobic slur. “He didn’t mean gay people. I think that’s pretty clear. I’m sorry he said it and I’m sorry he lost his job. I think the punishment was a bit cruel.”
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Russell Simmons Offered To Pay For Occupy Wall Street Clean Up

If only every group of protesters had their own incredibly wealthy rap mogul behind them, we could probably sort out societal problems a lot quicker. As you might have seen on the TV or the Interwebs, Russell Simmons has become something of a fixture at New York’s Occupy Wall Street protest, so much so that he offered to clean an entire park out of his own (bulging) pocket rather than see protesters get kicked out for a cleaning. “Dear @MikeBloomberg — I will pay for clean-up of Zuccotti Park to avoid confrontation. I don’t wanna go to jail but I will be there ready!,” Russell tweeted. Luckily we all know that millionaires don’t go to jail, so…your move, city officials!

While New York’s Mayor Bloomberg probably could have really used the money (couldn’t we all?), in the end the owners of the park called off the cleaning, leaving Russell free to continue his frequent, Kanye West-filled visits down town. Maybe now Russell and Kanye can pool all their money to hose down the entire banking system? Or even just some other, filthier park?

[Photo: Russell Simmons' Twitter]

Presented Without Commentary: The Guy Who Contorted With Heidi Klum

Not very many men get to put Heidi Klum into that position. Unless they happen to be Seal. Fellow yoga partner Russell Simmons’ face elucidates that fact as they practice yoga outside in New York City. Namaste!

[Photo: Splash News Online]

Justin Bieber Gets Booed By Hostile Crowd At Madison Square Garden, Possibly Signaling End Of Bieber Fever (Update: Now With Video!)

UPDATE (10:52pm): Now with video! Click here to watch Justin Bieber get booed (VIDEO).

Is the beginning of the end near for Justin Bieber? The diminuitive, well-coiffed Canadian pop star attended the big New York City premiere of his new 3D epic, Never Say Never, at Manhattan’s Regal E-Walk 13 theater (which, if we’re being completely honest with you, is NOT exactly the swankiest movie palace in town). For a man with as much star power and juice as Justin Bieber supposedly possesses, the film didn’t draw many A-Listers on opening night. Hip-hop impresarios Russell Simmons and L.A. Reid were there, as were Spike Lee, Deborah Norville and Stephen Baldwin (who, we might add, is also tight with Hannah Montana herself, Miley Cyrus), but the likes of Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian and Jasmine Villegas were nowhere to be found on the red carpet. However, the night only got worse for our boy Biebs.

According to dozens of Twitter feeds, Justin Bieber hit the New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden tonight and, when shown on in the in-house Jumbotron, was loudly booed by those in attendance. Popular NBA Twitter feed @offseasonblog reported that “Biebs is wearing a purple bow tie at the Knicks and got booed,” while VH1′s own @samdotcom wrote that “The Biebs got booed at MSG. Girl broke thru security to touch him; she returned to her seat sobbing & shaking.” And if you search Twitter for “Bieber booed” now, you’ll see literally hundreds of tweets and retweets.

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A Couple That Sweats Together Stays Together

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Justin Timberlake and girlfriend Jessica Biel were spotted jogging along the West Side Highway in NYC this afternoon. While keeping their bodies in tip-top shape may be in their job description, they’re proof that rockin’ bods don’t come without hard work.

Whether it’s running, yoga, triathlons or tennis, celebs like Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Lopez, and Hugh Jackman burn mucho calories on a daily basis to look fab onscreen and in print. See pics of stars sweatin’ it out below.

[Photo: Splash News Online]

Spotted

What rock bride was spotted dining with her hubby at Beverly Hills restaurant Madeo?

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Bend It Like Russell Simmons

Be careful what you wish for…Russell Simmons accused his yoga teacher of being too soft, saying her classes had gotten too easy and were for “pussies.” Russell was in for a surprise when he and girlfriend Porschla Coleman went to class on Monday. His instructor kicked it into 5th gear, making the rap mogul do an amazing 11 backbends in a row. Take that Russell! [Source: New York Post; Photo: Getty Images]