Aoki Lee Simmons is venting about her frustration over the challenges she’s encountered in the modeling industry and the endless comparisons to her mother, Kimora Lee Simmons.
RELATED: Prayers Up! Aoki Lee Simmons Reveals Why Participating In Fashion Week “Ruined” Her Mental Health (PHOTOS)
Aoki Lee Gets Real About Modeling Struggles & Comparisons To Her Mom
Recently, Live Bitez shared a video of Aoki Lee Simmons discussing her modeling experiences and the hurtful comments she receives. She mentioned that these remarks have made her consider quitting and pursuing other options.
“It’s hard to go somewhere and get told over and over, ‘no, no, no, you’re not pretty enough, you’re not pretty enough, no.’ I think I’m probably wrapping up modeling soon and working on getting a job in my degree field. But you know… while I’m still here, I just feel I should do my best. I hope I don’t sound whiney,” Aoki says in the clip.
Additionally, the 22-year-old admitted that she’s tired of the continued comparisons to her mother, Kimora Lee Simmons, constantly calling it “embarrassing” to hear.
“Okay you’re not as good as your mom, I get that like… my mom is always gonna be a way better [model] than me. But it’s just annoying to have that comparison sometimes.”
Furthermore, Aoki Lee shared that people often say it must be amazing to attend the castings her mom attended. Still, she explained that it isn’t, especially if she doesn’t get the opportunity.
Aoki continued to mention that she plans to return to government work, which aligns with her degree. She added that her mom always taught her to finish things “strong and with respect,” and that’s her goal. She also revealed that she won’t be walking in this year’s Victoria’s Secret fashion show.
Social Media Reacts
The Roommates reacted to Aoki’s statements in The Shade’s Room’s comment section, and many agreed that kids should never get compared to their parents.
Instagram user @b.g00d wrote, “Let’s pray for her. She’s been having a hard time❤️”
Instagram user @watchingalicia wrote, “I really dislike when people compare kids and their parents .. especially if “the parent is better.”
While Instagram user @moraaleigh wrote, “It’s hard to live up to your parents legacies especially when they’re so iconic!”
Then Instagram user @peachyjay wrote, “Her feelings are valid.”
Another Instagram user @duh_mee_yuh wrote, “She a very smart and well accomplished woman! ❤️❤️❤️ I’m always rooting for her 🙌🏾”
Finally, Instagram user @kingofstyle1990 wrote, “Y’all act like just because someone graduated from an Ivy League School means they should automatically desire to have a corporate 9-5…..Corporate Culture is DRAINING and not for people with emotion 😫, only a few survive it without burnout.”
Aoki Shares How Fashion Week Ruined Her Mental Health
Aoki’s recent comments about stepping back from modeling follow her revelations about the negative impact Fashion Week had on her mental health, per TSR.
The Harvard grad revealed on her Instagram Stories in July that someone told her to go home because no one would book her in Paris. Despite this, she tried to make the most of her time in the city. Aoki also recalled that she received feedback saying she “was not skinny enough,” which led her to “lose weight.” Later, a client told her she was “too slim,” and she admitted she wasn’t ready to share more about the experience at that time.
