Kimora Lee Simmons is getting candid about her co-parenting reality, revealing she is the ‘primary parent’ to her children and has virtually no relationship with their fathers, including Russell Simmons, Djimon Hounsou, and Tim Leissner.
Kimora Lee Simmons is pulling back the curtain on her family life, making it clear that when it comes to raising her children, she is the one constant. In a frank new interview, the 50-year-old model and fashion mogul revealed that she doesn’t “have a relationship really” with the fathers of her children, positioning herself as the undisputed “primary parent.”
This isn’t just a casual remark; it’s a definitive statement on the realities of modern co-parenting in the spotlight. For fans who have followed Simmons’ high-profile relationships and family dynamics for decades, her comments offer a rare, unfiltered look into the complexities behind the glamorous facade.
‘The Kids Are with Me Full-Time’
Speaking with a clarity that leaves no room for interpretation, Simmons explained her current situation. “Usually I would say that I co-parent okay, but the kids are with me full-time,” she stated. Her reasoning was blunt and relatable: “It’s difficult, but I don’t know sometimes what other people are thinking. Guys are weird.”
Simmons’ blended family is a well-documented part of her public persona, built through several significant relationships:
- Daughters Ming Lee Simmons, 25, and Aoki Lee Simmons, 23, are from her marriage to Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons.
- Son Kenzo Lee Hounsou, 16, is from her relationship with actor Djimon Hounsou.
- Son Wolfe Lee Leissner, 10, is with her former husband, ex-Goldman Sachs banker Tim Leissner. Leissner has faced significant legal challenges, including a prison sentence following guilty pleas for bribery and money laundering charges, a situation detailed by PEOPLE.
Her declaration signifies a shift from the idealized image of harmonious co-parenting often projected by celebrities. Instead, Simmons is validating the experience of many single parents who shoulder the majority of the responsibility, with or without a formal title.
A Modern Family and a Powerful ‘Village’
Simmons’ role as a mother extends beyond her biological children. In 2020, she adopted her son Gary Lee, now 16. She also considers Jayden, 19, her “bonus son,” as he has lived with the family since he was in the fourth grade. This expansive, modern family structure relies not on the children’s fathers, but on what Simmons calls her “village.” She credits a tight-knit circle of “friends and family and people my kids can rely on” for providing essential support.
She fully embraces her matriarchal role, noting, “I’m always ‘the mom.’ I mother people all around me.” This identity is central to her strength and purpose. “If I wasn’t this person, I don’t know if we would’ve made it or if we would be okay,” she explained. “It’s been very important to me to be strong and self-reliant, and to constantly be growing.” Details of her children’s recent milestones, like her son Kenzo’s modeling debut, have been covered by outlets like PEOPLE.
Back in the Fab Lane: A New Public Chapter
This period of personal candor coincides with Simmons’ return to the public eye. After a nearly 15-year hiatus from reality television, she is starring in the new E! series Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane. The show is a sequel to her iconic 2007-2011 series, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, which cemented her status as a cultural figure.
The new series promises a “chapter two” of her life, showcasing her evolution from a young fashion mogul to a seasoned veteran of business and motherhood. “I do think things go in a cycle — it’s not just cliché. I’m living it,” she said of her return. For fans, it’s a chance to see how the woman who once defined early 2000s extravagance navigates the challenges of raising a large family while managing her empire in a new era.
Ultimately, Kimora Lee Simmons’ message is one of empowerment. Happily single, she makes it clear that her “life doesn’t ever revolve around a guy, ever.” Instead, she’s focused on her family and her own growth, providing a stable and loving home base for her children, no matter their age. Her story is a powerful reminder that in the world of celebrity, as in life, the most important role is often the one you define for yourself.
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