Kimora Lee Simmons has captivated audiences not just with her fashion empire but also with her colorful love life. From her early days as a model to her rise as a mogul, Kimora has always been in the spotlight. Fans have followed her journey through the ups and downs, particularly her romantic relationships which have often made headlines.
Throughout the years, Kimora's love life has been a topic of interest, with numerous relationships sparking rumors and discussions. As she has stated, "Nothing really bothers me when it comes to things like that... I think it's fair game." This article will take you through the timeline of Kimora Lee Simmons' love life, from her marriage to Russell Simmons to her current relationship status, including all the intriguing details in between!
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Kimora Lee Simmons |
| Date of Birth | May 4, 1975 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Model, Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur |
Table of Contents
- The Russell Simmons Days
- The Simmons Family Grows
- Her First Marriage Comes to an End
- Hello, Djimon Hounsou
- A Baby and Commitment Ceremony
- Kimora Lee Simmons and Djimon Hounsou Call It Off
- Birdman and the Secret Wedding
- Kimora Lee Simmons Becomes a Mom of Five
- Tim Leissner's Legal Troubles
- Things with Russell Simmons Turn Sour
The Russell Simmons Days
The high-profile relationship that started it all for Kimora Lee Simmons was with Russell Simmons, the founder of Def Jam Recordings. They married in December 1998, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in her life. Their wedding came after they met during New York Fashion Week, where Kimora was modeling.
However, the wedding was not without its drama, as Kimora recounted an incident involving a bridesmaid that nearly derailed the ceremony. Russell and Kimora's relationship, while successful in many ways, also sparked discussions about their age difference, leading to various public speculations.
The Simmons Family Grows
Less than two years into their marriage, Kimora announced she was expecting their first child. In January 2000, they welcomed Ming Lee Simmons, who has since gained fame in her own right. Following that, their second daughter, Aoki Lee Simmons, was born in August 2002.
Both daughters became well-known through Kimora's reality show, which showcased their lives and how they adapted to growing up in the public eye. Kimora has always emphasized the importance of family and the connections they maintain with their famous godmother, Tyra Banks.
Her First Marriage Comes to an End
In May 2006, Kimora and Russell Simmons confirmed their separation, a decision that had been made some time earlier. Despite their split, they committed to co-parenting their daughters and maintaining a cooperative relationship. Kimora filed for divorce in March 2008, citing irreconcilable differences, and the divorce was finalized in January 2009.
By the time the divorce was finalized, Kimora had already moved on and met someone new, signaling a fresh start in her romantic life.
Hello, Djimon Hounsou
In 2007, Kimora began dating actor Djimon Hounsou. They met initially for professional reasons, but the connection quickly blossomed into a romantic relationship. Kimora has often publicly praised Djimon, highlighting his intelligence and family values, which were important to her.
In June 2008, Kimora revealed that they had gotten sort of engaged, taking their relationship to the next level without a formal engagement ring. This relationship marked a new chapter for Kimora as she navigated her personal life post-divorce.
A Baby and Commitment Ceremony
In 2009, Kimora and Djimon welcomed their first child together, a son named Kenzo Lee Hounsou. Shortly before his birth, they held a commitment ceremony in Benin, Africa, celebrating their relationship. Kimora's openness about her pregnancy and their family dynamic showcased her ability to balance motherhood and her career.
Kimora also shared her labor experience live on social media, which was a trend that resonated with many fans at the time.
Kimora Lee Simmons and Djimon Hounsou Call It Off
Sadly, in November 2012, Kimora and Djimon's relationship came to an end. After a series of rumors about trouble in paradise, the couple confirmed their separation. Kimora took to social media to clarify their situation, emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting their son while remaining friends.
The split sparked various discussions about the reasons behind it, although Kimora and Djimon both denied reports that financial issues were a factor in their breakup.
Birdman and the Secret Wedding
In 2014, rumors began to swirl regarding Kimora's relationship with rapper Birdman. The speculation intensified when Birdman referred to Kimora as "the love of my life" in a social media post. However, it was Russell Simmons who publicly revealed Kimora's marriage to Tim Leissner, a former Goldman Sachs executive.
This unexpected revelation highlighted the complexity of Kimora's love life, intertwining past relationships with her current situation. Kimora embraced her new relationship, showcasing her engagement ring shortly after Russell's announcement.
Kimora Lee Simmons Becomes a Mom of Five
In 2014, Kimora announced she was expecting her first child with Tim Leissner. She welcomed their son, Wolfe Lee Leissner, in April 2015. This addition to her family marked a significant milestone as she became a mother of five.
In January 2020, Kimora and Tim adopted a son named Gary Lee. With her daughters now in college, Kimora found herself surrounded by boys at home, creating a unique family dynamic that continues to evolve.
Tim Leissner's Legal Troubles
The marriage to Tim Leissner faced challenges when rumors of infidelity surfaced in early 2020. This was compounded by serious legal issues concerning Tim, who was implicated in a major money laundering scandal. The revelations about his past raised questions about their marriage and future together.
As the situation unfolded, Kimora maintained her position, highlighting the challenges they faced as a couple while navigating the complexities of legal issues and public scrutiny.
Things with Russell Simmons Turn Sour
In 2021, the relationship between Kimora and Russell Simmons took a sour turn as Russell filed a lawsuit against Kimora. He alleged that she had fraudulently transferred his stock ownership to pay for Tim's bail. Kimora denied these allegations, asserting her independent investments in the stocks.
As the legal battle continued, the tension between Kimora and Russell highlighted the delicate balance of their co-parenting relationship, which had once seemed amicable.
