Kimora Lee Simmons has long captured public fascination through her high-profile fashion career and equally high-profile romantic life. As a defining fashion mogul and former model, her relationships with powerful public figures have frequently dominated entertainment headlines. Understanding her relationship history requires looking closely at her marriages, her high-profile partnerships, and how she navigated life in the public eye.
Her romantic history includes two formal marriages—first to music executive Russell Simmons and later to investment banker Tim Leissner—alongside a significant multi-year partnership with actor Djimon Hounsou. Each relationship shaped different eras of her personal evolution and business ventures, leaving behind a blended family of five children.
The Russell Simmons Years: Hip-Hop Royalty
The marriage that first cemented Kimora's status in pop culture history was her relationship with Def Jam co-founder and Phat Farm creator Russell Simmons. The two crossed paths in November 1992 when Kimora was working as a fashion model during New York Fashion Week. After dating for several years, they tied the knot on December 20, 1998, in a ceremony officiated by Russell's brother, Joseph "Run" Simmons.
During their decade together, the couple welcomed two daughters, Ming Lee Simmons (born in 2000) and Aoki Lee Simmons (born in 2002). The family's lavish lifestyle was famously showcased on Kimora's reality television series, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane.
- The Separation: By 2006, the couple had separated, though they maintained a notably amicable public dynamic.
- The Divorce: Kimora filed for divorce in March 2008, citing irreconcilable differences, and the legal dissolution was finalized in January 2009.
- Post-Divorce Dynamic: Despite the split, Kimora legally retained the Simmons surname for years to share a family name with her daughters before eventually reverting to her maiden name.
The Partnership With Djimon Hounsou
Following her divorce from Russell, Kimora entered a high-profile relationship with actor and model Djimon Hounsou. The pair began dating around 2007 and traveled to Hounsou's home country of Benin in 2008 for a traditional commitment ceremony.
While outlets frequently referred to them as married due to the traditional ceremony, the union was not legally binding. In May 2009, they welcomed a son named Kenzo Lee Hounsou. The relationship ended in 2012 after four years together. Both parents remained dedicated to raising their son out of the spotlight while managing their respective careers.
The Tim Leissner Marriage and Subsequent Separation
In February 2014, news broke that Kimora had secretly married former Goldman Sachs investment banker Tim Leissner. Russell Simmons publicly confirmed the marriage on social media to shut down media speculation. In April 2015, the couple welcomed a son, Wolfe Lee Leissner, and Kimora also helped raise Leissner's children while expanding their family.
- Legal Turmoil: The marriage faced severe pressure amid Leissner's legal troubles stemming from the 1MDB financial scandal, which resulted in a guilty plea.
- Estrangement: Reports surfaced in early 2022 indicating that Kimora and Leissner had become estranged.
- Filing for Divorce: Legal proceedings advanced significantly when Leissner filed for divorce from Kimora, marking the end of their nearly twelve-year marriage.
Reclaiming Independence and Moving Forward
Kimora announced a deliberate shift in her personal narrative by dropping her famous ex-husbands' last names. Explaining the decision on an episode of the Aspire podcast, she emphasized that returning to her birth name signified personal clarity, empowerment, and a fresh chapter focused entirely on her independent enterprises and her children.
Managing five children across her blended family while steering the revival of Baby Phat, Kimora continues to balance high-stakes business ownership with motherhood. Her journey reflects an ongoing evolution from runway icon to resilient corporate executive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Kimora Lee Simmons been legally married?
Kimora has been legally married twice: first to Russell Simmons from 1998 to 2009, and second to Tim Leissner, whom she married in 2014.
Did Kimora Lee Simmons marry Djimon Hounsou?
No. While Kimora and Djimon Hounsou participated in a traditional, highly publicized commitment ceremony in Benin in 2008, they were never legally married. They share a son, Kenzo.
Why did Kimora Lee Simmons change her last name?
Kimora legally dropped her ex-husbands' surnames to embrace a personal commitment to clarity, independence, and ownership over her identity.
How many children does Kimora Lee Simmons have?
She is a mother of five children: Ming Lee and Aoki Lee with Russell Simmons; Kenzo Lee with Djimon Hounsou; and Gary Lee and Wolfe Lee with Tim Leissner.
