Kimora Lee Simmons is giving her ex-husband Russell Simmons that “aht aht” energy from across the globe, chile! Last week, PEOPLE published an exclusive with the Baby Phat queen in which she clarified that she does not “really have a relationship with her kids’ fathers.” Over the weekend, the daddy of her daughters, Aoki Lee and Ming Lee Simmons, called her out for her comments. On Monday (Dec. 13), Kimora clapped back, and the spice has fans clutching their pearls and sprinting to comment sections! When he spun the block in response, his tone seemed to change.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect new comments (third subsection) from Russell Simmons.
RELATED: Yikes! Russell Simmons Puts Kimora Lee Simmons On Blast Over Co-Parenting Comments
Peep What Triggered Russell Simmons To Respond
For context, Kimora Lee has five children, and her “bonus son,” Jayden. Aoki and Ming, her eldest, are 23 and 25 years old, respectively, and are the daughters of Russell. She shares a 16-year-old son, Kenzo Lee, with actor Djimon Hounsou and a ten-year-old son, Wolfe Lee, with convicted former investment banker Tim Leissner. Additionally, she has a 16-year-old son, Gary Lee, whom she adopted from Jamaica five years ago. Her bonus son, Jayden, has been under her care since he was in the fourth grade, according to PEOPLE.
Kimora Lee Simmons told the digital magazine that there’s a lack of relationship between her and her three co-parents, including Russell. Instead, the mompreneur said she relies on her village, which includes family and friends. The former supermodel admitted to always being “the mom” and loving it. However, she also claimed to be the primary parent of all five kids.
“Usually I would say that I co-parent okay, but the kids are with me full-time,” Kimora Lee Simmons told PEOPLE. “I’m pretty much the primary parent. It’s difficult, but I don’t know sometimes what other people are thinking. Guys are weird.”
Still, Kimora remains unfazed, saying that her life “doesn’t ever revolve around a man.” Also, she expressed feeling “thankful” for her ability to be a present parent and self-reliant.
Kimora Lee Simmons Clocks Russell’s Tea
Russell Simmons obviously caught Kimora’s comments and took to Threads on Sunday with a lil’ self-defense. His post has since been deleted, but screenshots of it have circulated. In a screenshot captured by The Shade Room, Russell wrote:
“I gave u $50,000 a month for 20 years. I was ur best/only friend. I’m the godfather to your other 3 kids, until one day you stole my stock. I have been fighting for my kids love and my bread ever since. You threatened that if I sued you, I would never speak to my kids again. There are two sides to every story.”
Despite the deleted social media clapback, Kimora Lee Simmons had words for Russell on Monday. From addressing their daughters’ ages to speaking on his sexual assault accusers, Ms. Baby Phat didn’t hold back.
“My “girls” are GROWN WOMEN! You know these are lies. Why are you typing from thousands of miles away in a non extradition country,” Kimora said, referencing his current living location in Bali. “Go negotiate and answer your accusers.”
Mr. Simmons Preaches Love In Response To Ex-Wife (UPDATE)
After Kimora Simmons unleashed heat in her response, Russell circled back with a final comment on Dec. 16. This time, rather than throw around theft allegations, the former music mogul leaned toward peace. He posted the caption with a video montage of throwback photos featuring Kimora, Aoki and Ming Lee.
“I choose forgiveness ,love and reconciliation I want to get the mess behind me People make mistakes love them anyway Try to remember The GOOD TIMES and move forward At 68 I’m Praying for more good times Always GOD IS LOVE ❤️”
Details About Russell’s Allegations From Multiple Women
According to a January 2025 report from the Los Angeles Times, Russell Simmons had yet to pay nearly $8 million to settle his confidential agreements with three woman. At the time, LA Times reported that he owed Tina Klein-Baker $4.95 million, Toni Sallie $3 million and Alexia Norton Jones $200,000. He reportedly entered separate agreements with all three women in 2023, but denied any wrongdoing after the woman made claims of physical injuries and sickness.
Then, in 2024, three more women sued Russell with similar claims of him failing to pay $3 million he agreed to. The documentary ‘On The Record’ delves into some of these accusations, featuring at least five alleged victims.
