Oxygen series probes women behind Russell Simmons

The brain trust at Oxygen, the cable network launched about a decade ago to help women be all that they can be, say are developing a reality series with Russell Simmons -- about his female assistants, and how they, you know, assist him.

"The Russell Simmons Project" will feature "the women behind the mogul," Oxygen says.

Because, the network explains, "behind every good man is a great woman but behind every American mogul stands many great women."

"The Russell Simmons Project" will offer an exclusive peek at the life of entrepreneur, entertainment and fashion icon, philanthropist and yogi Russell Simmons," the network, owned by NBC Universal, says.

Yes -- "yogi."

"Russell Simmons is a fascinating man and seeing his world through the eyes of his dream team comprised of strong, passionate women provides a unique experience for our viewers" said Oxygen's senior vice president of original programming and development, Amy Introcaso-Davis, who ought to be ashamed of herself.

"Russell's assistants not only manage his business deals, but also his family life, party planning and love life - a commitment that is 24/7," says the network that claims to be "rewriting the rulebook for women's media." By "rewriting" they mean "jumping back to the 50s."

Hip-hop mogul Simmons name appears 30 times in the news release, which includes the longest bio in TV history -- and that's setting the bar very high. This is not an industry populated by shrinking violets.

Meanwhile -- his female assistants? Oxygen does not even bother to name them.