While the sexual allegations against hip hop icon, Russell Simmons, pile up, his former wife and mother to his two daughters, Kimora Lee Simmons, spoke out about the man that she has known for over 25 years. In speaking about Russell, Kimora shared her experiences with him while still acknowledging the voices of the victims.
Kimora & Russell’s Past
Kimora Lee Simmons took to Instagram to share her thoughts on the sexual abuse allegations made against Russell, which Russell has adamantly denied. Kimora revealed that she met him when she was a model at the age of 17, which by the way, is the legal age of consent in New York. At that time, 35 year-old Simmons was known for dating models. He had the reputation of being a ladies man. After meeting, Russell and Kimora started dating and they married in 1998. Many were surprised that Simmons had finally found a woman to settle down with.
Becoming a power couple, Russell helped Kimora transition from the modeling world, into fashion design, through his Phat Fashions empire, under which his Phat Farm clothing brand became a hit. He also helped Kimora launch her Baby Phat line, where she became President and Creative Director of Phat Fashions. Remember when women everywhere were rockin’ the Baby Phat velour jogging suits with a rhinestone cats on ’em? Simmons introduced Kimora to the world of ‘fabulousity’ and she began to take over the fashion world. In addition to birthing businesses, Kimora and Russell had children. The first was Ming Lee Simmons, who was born January 21, 2000, and the second was Aoki Lee Simmons, born August 16, 2002. I think everyone was shocked when they divorced in 2009. Through it all, Kimora and Russell have remained the best of friends. To this day, the two are so close that Russell is even close friends with Kimora’s husband, Tim Leissner, and is also the Godfather of their son, Wolf.
How do you defend your best friend when he has been accused of sexual assault? You defend the person that you know. See how Kimora defend Russell below…
Kimora’s Statement About Sex Assault Claims Against Russell
https://www.instagram.com/p/_owLx7jTtG/
On her Instagram page, Kimora shared that she was now adding her voice to the many voices that are speaking out against sexual harassment. Sharing her and Russell’s past, gave a brief synopsis of their history. Speaking on his philanthropic acts, Kimora shared that the man she knew has always been kind, a good father, and an avid supporter of helping those in need. Despite the fact that someone she loves is now being accused, Kimora was quick to point out her support of the women who are bravely coming forward. As a mother of 2 daughters, Kimora stressed that these women should not be ashamed and that their accusers should be held accountable.
On the flip side, Kimora also stated that she believed in a fair trial and that she is committed to fighting the injustices of the world.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeZd8-dnO5g/
Thoughts ILOSM fam?’
