Kimora Lee Simmons has publicly fired back at her ex-husband Russell Simmons amid ongoing disputes over their two daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee. The 50-year-old fashion mogul and entrepreneur used her Instagram Stories on December 15, 2025, to challenge her former spouse’s claims, calling them “lies” and urging him to “answer your accusers.”

The Dispute

Russell Simmons, 68, took to Threads on December 14 to allege that he provided Kimora with $50,000 a month for 20 years, claiming he was her “best/only friend” and godfather to her other three children. He further accused Kimora of taking his stock and recounted threats regarding co-parenting their daughters.

In response, Kimora emphasized that her daughters are grown women, saying:
“You know these are lies. Why are you typing from thousands of miles away in a non-extradition country? Go negotiate and answer your accusers.”

She also addressed her broader parenting experience, revealing to PEOPLE magazine that she does not maintain a traditional co-parenting relationship with her children’s fathers. Instead, she relies on her “village” of friends and family to support her as the primary caregiver.

Kimora on Motherhood and Independence

Kimora shared:
“Usually I would say that I co-parent okay, but the kids are with me full-time. I’m pretty much the primary parent. It’s difficult, but I don’t know sometimes what other people are thinking. Guys are weird.”

In addition to her daughters with Russell Simmons, she also has a son with Djimon Hounsou and another with Tim Leissner, highlighting her role as a dedicated, self-reliant parent.

She continued:
“Ming and Aoki are older, but I think they still feel very much like I’m ‘mom,’ and that’s okay. For sure they can come to me. They live at home, they travel the world, and they have a place in New York.”

Kimora also emphasized that her life is independent of men, saying:
“My life doesn’t ever revolve around a guy, ever. I am thankful I’m able to be there for my family in ways that other people or parents are not. It’s been very important to me to be strong and self-reliant and to constantly be growing.”

Background on Russell Simmons

Russell Simmons has faced serious allegations of sexual assault and harassment, spanning decades and involving more than 20 women since 2017. He has repeatedly denied these allegations but relinquished his duties at Def Jam Recordings following public scrutiny.

Kimora and Russell, who married in 1998 and divorced in 2009, were previously involved in controversy over their daughters’ safety and well-being, including incidents reported in 2023 involving alleged intimidation of Aoki Lee’s friends and boyfriend.

Key Takeaways

• Kimora Lee Simmons rejects Russell’s claims of financial support and influence
• She positions herself as the primary caregiver for her children
• Emphasizes independence, resilience, and the support of her personal “village”
• The ongoing family dispute highlights tension over co-parenting and personal boundaries