HBO Removes All Mentions Of Russell Simmons From ‘All Def Comedy’

HBO is moving forward with stand-up series “All Def Comedy,” but without Russell Simmons. In a statement, the network says,“HBO will be airing All Def Comedy as planned. However, Russell Simmons will not appear in the new series and we will be removing his name from the show moving forward. The series is a platform for promising and upcoming comedians and we do not want to deprive them of an opportunity to showcase their talents to a national audience. We have no other projects with Russell Simmons.” The new six episode ‘All Def Comedy’ series will start Friday, The decision comes hours after Simmons announced he would be stepping down from his businesses in wake of a new sexual assault accusation.