Kimora Lee Simmons calls out Russell Simmons over ‘lies’ as family feud escalates

Kimora Lee Simmons has publicly criticised her ex-husband Russell Simmons after he made claims about their family and finances, accusing him of spreading “lies” and urging him to “answer your accusers”.

The model and fashion entrepreneur responded via Instagram Stories on Monday after Russell Simmons alleged he had paid her $50,000 a month for 20 years and suggested their relationship with their daughters had deteriorated because of her actions.

“My girls are grown women,” Kimora wrote. “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.”

Dispute over daughters and financial claims

Russell Simmons, 68, shares daughters Ming Lee, 25, and Aoki Lee, 23, with Kimora. In a post on Threads shared a day earlier, he claimed he had financially supported Kimora for decades and accused her of cutting off his relationship with their children after a business dispute.

“There are two sides to every story,” he wrote, alleging that Kimora threatened to prevent him from speaking to their daughters if he pursued legal action.

Kimora’s response followed recent comments in which she said she does not “have a relationship really” with her children’s fathers and described herself as the primary parent.

“The kids are with me full-time,” she said. “I’m pretty much the primary parent. It’s difficult, but guys are weird.”

Kimora speaks about parenting and independence

Kimora said she relies on a close network of friends and family to support her children and stressed that her life has never revolved around a partner.

“I’m thankful I’m able to be there for my family in ways that other people or parents are not,” she said. “It’s been very important to me to be strong and self-reliant, and to constantly be growing.”

In addition to Ming and Aoki, Kimora also shares a son with actor Djimon Hounsou and another son with former Goldman Sachs banker Tim Leissner.

Past allegations against Russell Simmons

Russell Simmons has faced multiple allegations of sexual assault and rape since 2017, claims he has repeatedly denied. The allegations span several decades and were examined in the 2020 documentary On the Record.

Following the emergence of the accusations, Simmons stepped back from his leadership roles at Def Jam Recordings.

Kimora and Russell Simmons married in 1998, separated in 2006 and finalised their divorce in 2009. Their relationship has remained publicly strained in recent years, particularly in relation to their daughters.