UPDATED 11/12, 4:40 p.m. ET: B.o.B.'s attorney Leron E. Rogers of Fox Rothschild LLP has provided Complex with a statement in response to the lawsuit. You can read it below:
"Our client, Bobby Ray Simmons Jr., known professionally as B.o.B, categorically denies the false allegations contained in the Complaint filed. 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.
"Mr. Simmons will not be intimidated or coerced by such tactics, nor will he remain silent while his name and reputation are unfairly attacked.
"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.
"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."
See original story below.
A Texas woman has accused rapper B.o.B. of holding her hostage and sexually assaulting her inside of a San Diego hotel suite.
In a lawsuit that was filed on Nov. 7, the woman, a married mother of two who listened to B.o.B.’s music while dealing with a cancer diagnosis, claimed that she went with her cousin to see the rapper perform at the Tequila & Taco Music Festival in San Diego in April.
During his performance, B.o.B. allegedly invited the woman to dance on stage to the song “Whistle While You Twerk” by the Ying Yang Twins — a practice that the woman says the rapper was known for at his shows. Afterwards, the woman claims she was approached by B.o.B’s manager and received an invitation to attend an after-party.
"[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," reads the complaint. "[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."
According to the lawsuit, the woman and her cousin arrived at the Westin Hotel around 3 a.m., when they were escorted up to the penthouse suite. The woman alleges she was offered what partygoers said were marijuana-infused gummies, but refused because she thought they could have something harsher in them. Then when her cousin left to get a jacket from the car, the situation allegedly took a turn for the worse.
Doe claims that when she was alone with B.o.B, the rapper began to grope her. After trying to spread her legs, the woman alleges he said, "What makes you think I won't kiss you right now," before actually doing so.
During the alleged assault, she claims that B.o.B.’s wife came into the room and the rapper yelled at her to leave.
"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," reads the lawsuit. "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."
According to Doe, B.o.B. kept groping her genitals and refusing to stop until his manager knocked on the door, giving her the chance to leave the room.
The lawsuit alleges that members of the rapper’s team were aware of what he was doing and failed to intervene.
Complex has reached out to a representative of B.o.B's for comment, but they did not immediately respond.