B.o.B. is speaking out after he was accused of taking a woman hostage and sexually assaulting her inside a hotel room in California.
According to a report Complex published on Tuesday, November 11, Jane Doe claims the "Airplanes" rapper forced himself upon her during an after-party at a hotel in San Diego earlier this year. In a statement provided to iHeartRadio, B.o.B. "categorically denies" the allegations made by Jane Doe.
"This filing appears to be a calculated attempt to leverage publicity and extract a financial settlement from a public figure — a baseless 'money grab' under the pretense of litigation," says B.o.B's attorney Leron E. Rogers of Fox Rothschild LLP.
"Mr. Simmons will not be intimidated or coerced by such tactics, nor will he remain silent while his name and reputation are unfairly attacked," Rogers continues. "In the Complaint, the Plaintiff identifies herself as a wife and mother. We believe the allegations are a fabricated narrative and the plaintiff is using B.o.B as a scapegoat to explain her whereabouts to her husband on the date in question and designed to deflect personal consequences unrelated to our client."
"Fabricating accusations of this nature is both irresponsible and harmful," he adds. "Mr. Simmons recognizes that true victims of sexual assault deserve to be heard and supported, and false claims only undermine their pursuit of justice. Out of respect for the individuals involved and for the integrity of the legal process, we will have no further comment at this time.”
In her lawsuit, the unidentified mother of two described how she listened to B.o.B.'s music while she was treated for cancer. You can only imagine her excitement when she got a chance to dance on stage with B.o.B. during his set at the Tequila & Taco Music Festival in San Diego back in April.
"[She] viewed the unexpected invitation as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hang out with one of the biggest stars in Hip Hop, whose music played a major role in keeping her emotionally healthy to continue her arduous struggle against cancer," her lawyer explained in the lawsuit. "[She] couldn’t believe how her life had turned around since the cancer-free diagnosis. Moreover, she figured everything would be okay with her cousin by her side; after all, Mr. Simmons’ wife would be there also."
The woman said she and her cousin got to the Westin Hotel around 3 a.m. After they were brought up to the penthouse suite, the women were offered marijuana-infused gummies, but she declined. Once her cousin left Jane Doe alone with the rapper, B.o.B., born Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr., allegedly began to take advantage of her.
The woman claims B.o.B. allegedly groped her and forced her legs open. She also alleged he said, "What makes you think I won't kiss you right now," before he did it. In the middle of the alleged act, B.o.B.'s wife walked into the room.
"Mr. Simmons got up and walked to the doorway to ensure his wife had left the room and would no longer bother him or interrupt what he was planning to do," the lawsuit says. "He quickly returned to his kneeling position before a seated [Doe], where he resumed rubbing her inner thighs and waist with the intent to sexually assault her."
Jane Doe accused Simmons of rubbing her genitals until his manager knocked on the door. That's when she managed to leave the room. In her lawsuit, Doe alleged the rapper's team knew exactly what he was doing and didn't do anything to stop him.