Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons Split
Rap mogul Russell Simmons and his wife Kimora Lee Simmons are splitting, a rep for Kimora confirms to PEOPLE.
Russell issued his own statement Friday afternoon, saying: “Kimora and I will remain committed parents and caring friends with great love and admiration for each other. We will also continue to work side by side on a daily basis as partners in all of our businesses.”
The statement also says the couple have been separated “for some time,” but have continued living under the same roof.
Russell, 48, and Kimora, 30, married in 1998 and have two daughters: Ming Lee Simmons, 6, and Aoki Lee Simmons, 3. Both girls model for Baby Phat Clothing, Kimora’s offshoot of her husband’s Phat Farm clothing line.
The former Kimora Lee, whose father is African-American and mother is Japanese-American, was a model, for Chanel and others, when she began dating Simmons, a cofounder of Def Jam Records.
The pair met in November 1992 during New York City’s Fashion Week. She was 17 and about to finish high school; he was 35 and a self-admitted ladies man.
“I was skeptical,” model Tyra Banks told PEOPLE in 2002 of her initial reaction to the relationship. But, she said: “She turned the man about town into a loving husband and papa.”
The couple were married by Simmons’s brother, Pentecostal minister and rapper Joey “Reverend Run” Simmons of Run DMC, on the Caribbean island of St. Bart’s on Dec. 20, 1998.
Why u and him doing tis what about Ming, Aoki!!!!! Why??????
Comment by Monquisha — July 23, 2006 @ 4:04 pm
please i do not want you all to split you all can still work it out i know u do russel you have to change my man you all should have a reality show on tv just like your brother rev run i thiunk it will help a whole lot and russel u need to get closer to your kids kimora cannot do it alone your kids need there daddy support a daddy who will stick to them now and until they are ready to marry
Comment by nadya jones — July 29, 2006 @ 12:38 am
man thas sad ya’ll should stay together
Comment by De'Onia — November 1, 2006 @ 11:14 am
I’m a big fan of the both Kamora Lee and Russell Simmons. These two wonderful people deserve the best in life and their lovely children the split may be final between the two adults, but for a lifetime they will always remain in each other lives because of the children’s future they hold for them. Like Aaliyah said years ago age ain’t nothing but a number they are two responsible adults and have everything to offer one another and our black people. Kamora this is for u, you are one of the most beautifulist lady alive that I really don’t know personally and I look up to you cause we have a lot in common far as fashion and beauty. I watched the Tyra show that you appeared on and everything that you said just made my days for me even better cause of the haters that I deal with in society just make me stronger and make me do better for myself and my family. I also have a husband that is 14 years older than me but we are compatable and know what we want and need in life for us and our children. I just want to say thanks for those inspiring words that you sent to me and other women out in this world that deal with the same bull that come our way, Russell you are the best as well cause I also watched the show that you appeared on with Tyra. You to people have been blessed when I grow up I want to be like you all for right now I’m seeing my blessings the one and only master that we all share is sending me and I am thankful.Until next time take care and wish you all the best for yourselves and your precious children, tell Run and his family I can’t wait to see the next series of Run’s house I’m a big fan of the whole family wish that one day my dreams come true about meeting you all in person a fashion show or any event that my money will allow me to purchase some tickets to any event that you guys host. Please keep me posted through email, thanks alot I love you all.
Shynell Jackson
shynell23djg@yahoo.com
P.S. I know one day in the future GOD will bring you two back together in my eyes this relationship will never end to me as long as there is a GOD there will be Russell and Kamora Simmons.
Comment by Shynell Jackson — November 2, 2006 @ 4:26 pm
TO KAMORA LEE (SIMMIONS)
I REALLY DONT THINK YOU 2 SHOULD BREAK UP. YOU HAVE 2 BUEATIFUL KIDZ TOGETHER AND THEY REALLY NEED YOU 2 AS A WONDERFUL COUPLE TO BE THE BEST ROLMODELS AS PARENTS EVER. AND YOU TWO HAVE 2 MILLION DOLLAR CLOTHING LINES AND THEY ARE SUCCEEDIND EVERYDAY!!!!!!!!! AND KAMORA AND RUSSEL I AM REALLY PRAYING FOR YOU 2 AS A COUPLE……..AND I ALSO NEED YOUR HELP TO PRAY 2!!!!!!!! CAUSE IF IT WASNT FOR GOD YOU WANT BE YOU……”ONLY HE CAN HELP”.
Comment by JADE HARMON — February 2, 2007 @ 8:31 am
Wow she got what she came for(sleeping with that old creep paid off)Females do some nasty things for money
Comment by berry — May 11, 2007 @ 5:06 pm
Wow that really sucks. I thought those guys were going to be together for a very long time. Now I know that marriage wont be for me. Im not going to let someone into my life at a high point just for them to take half and split on me. Forget that! Not going to happen.
Comment by Mista Markiss — August 5, 2007 @ 4:39 pm
First and foremost they are such smart business people. I must commend them both.Because at the end of the day it’s about family and business.This is such a sucess story.I just finished watching Kamora’s fabulous TV show the girl is just FIERCE!!!!and the babies are great business parteners and she is a loveing wonderful,beautiful mother,model, business person shall I go on.LOLOLOLOL Kamora and by the way the new line is PHATTT!!The reason I can say this is because I too have been in the entertaiment business for many years.And I know that it take mind,money and matter.I too have children and juggle many progjet’s Being that I have worked with BET,many other progject’s to name a few.Back to Kamora and fab family.Keep up the awesome work there can’t be anything but the top of the line for you and your ventures.The Barbie is interesting that was one of my progject’s at a young age that made me the Hair DIVA that I am today Thank God.Many blessing to you and your staff.Next time your looking for an assistant shoot me a email.Razz Hyman
Comment by Razz Hyman — August 21, 2007 @ 5:40 pm
Kimora I am a big fan of yours, you are my biggest inspiration besides God, you are so beautiful, and I watch every tv show of you, I just wrote my firstbook, and because of you being my biggest role model, my inspiration, I am in the process of getting my first book publishes, right now, it’s at the publishing company right now getting published. I pray that with the help from God, that you and russelll will reconcile one day. Just trust God and he will make it alright. I also have your fabulosity book. I Love You Kimora. God Bless!
Comment by Alayna Walker — December 26, 2007 @ 2:38 pm
I am a big fan of both Kimora and Russell and I took the break up as though they were family (I wish) anyway, life goes on and they both are awsome people and have very pretty and smart girls that will learn a lot from both parents! I wish you both all the best in life, not like you don’t already have the best……Sometimes change is ALL GOOD
Comment by Tracey Howell — February 1, 2008 @ 2:41 pm
am big fan of u n yr husband
Comment by ebony — April 22, 2008 @ 10:17 am
Hey kimora sista ur so fabulous it’s kinda 2 gr8t 2 blv hey,nd tanx 4 keeping up wit de fabulousity. Mwaah!!!!
Comment by 2mi — December 26, 2008 @ 5:03 pm