Kimora Simmons Husband: A Clear Look at Her Marriages and Relationships

If you’ve searched for Kimora Simmons husband, you’re likely trying to make sense of a relationship timeline that has often been simplified, confused, or misrepresented online. Kimora Lee Simmons has lived much of her life in the public eye—as a model, fashion entrepreneur, television personality, and mother—but she has also been very intentional about how much of her personal life she explains. This article offers a clear, organized look at her husbands, significant relationships, and how those chapters fit into her broader personal and professional journey.

Who Is Kimora Lee Simmons?

Kimora Lee Simmons is a fashion icon and businesswoman who rose to prominence as a teenage model before becoming a global brand-builder. She is best known for creating and leading Baby Phat, a label that helped define fashion in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Beyond fashion, she became a recognizable television personality and public figure whose life often blended business, family, and celebrity culture.

Because Kimora built her career so visibly—and often shared moments of her family life—public interest naturally extended beyond her professional achievements. Still, she has consistently emphasized independence, self-reliance, and motherhood over defining herself through relationships.

Kimora Lee Simmons’ Marriage History at a Glance

To understand Kimora Simmons’ husband history clearly, it helps to separate facts from assumptions. Kimora has been married twice and has also had a major long-term relationship that is frequently mistaken for a marriage.

Her husbands were:

• Russell Simmons, her first husband

• Tim Leissner, her second husband

She also had a long-term relationship with actor Djimon Hounsou, with whom she shares a child, but they were not legally married.

Understanding this distinction clears up much of the confusion surrounding her personal life.

Russell Simmons: Kimora Simmons’ First Husband

Kimora Lee Simmons married music and entertainment entrepreneur Russell Simmons in 1998. At the time, Russell was already a powerful figure in hip-hop culture, while Kimora was emerging as a major force in fashion and modeling. Their marriage quickly became highly visible, often portrayed as a glamorous union between music and fashion royalty.

During their marriage, Kimora continued to grow professionally, launching and expanding Baby Phat while becoming a recognizable public figure in her own right. Together, they had two daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee, who would later gain their own public attention through modeling, education, and social media.

Life as a Public Power Couple

For many years, Kimora and Russell Simmons were seen as a “power couple.” They appeared together at industry events and were frequently featured in media coverage that blended business success with family life. However, even during those years, Kimora maintained her own identity and leadership role within her companies.

Despite the polished public image, their marriage faced challenges behind the scenes. Eventually, the couple separated, and their divorce was finalized in 2009.

Divorce from Russell Simmons

The end of Kimora’s marriage to Russell Simmons marked a major turning point. While the split was public, Kimora did not allow it to define her next chapter. She continued to focus on her businesses, her children, and her evolving role as a public figure.

In later years, Kimora has spoken openly about prioritizing her children’s well-being and stability, signaling a shift away from public coupledom and toward a more independent family structure.

Djimon Hounsou: A Major Relationship, Not a Husband

Following her divorce from Russell Simmons, Kimora entered a long-term relationship with actor and model Djimon Hounsou. This relationship is one of the most misunderstood aspects of her personal life. Because they shared a child and appeared together publicly, many people assume they were married.

In reality, Kimora and Djimon Hounsou were partners but not legally husband and wife. They share a son, Kenzo, and were together for several years before separating.

Their relationship highlights an important pattern in Kimora’s life: she does not frame family solely through marriage. Instead, she has consistently emphasized motherhood and responsibility over labels.

Tim Leissner: Kimora Simmons’ Second Husband

Kimora Lee Simmons later married Tim Leissner, a former investment banker. The marriage reportedly took place in 2014 and remained largely out of the public spotlight at first. Unlike her marriage to Russell Simmons, this relationship was not built around shared celebrity status.

The marriage became widely discussed only after Leissner became involved in serious legal troubles related to the international 1MDB financial scandal. As details emerged, Kimora’s personal life was pulled into broader public conversations that had little to do with her own actions or career.

Legal Controversy and Public Fallout

Tim Leissner eventually pleaded guilty to financial crimes connected to the 1MDB case. As the situation unfolded, Kimora publicly distanced herself from the controversy and emphasized her role as a mother protecting her children.

The marriage ultimately ended, and Kimora has since described herself as estranged from Leissner. This chapter reinforced her public message of independence and self-protection, particularly when it comes to her family.

Life After Marriage: Motherhood and Independence

Today, Kimora Lee Simmons is the mother of five children, including daughters Ming and Aoki, sons Kenzo and Wolfe, and an adopted son, Gary. In interviews, she has made it clear that her children live with her full time and that she is the primary figure in their daily lives.

Rather than centering her identity around romantic relationships, Kimora now presents herself as the head of her household. Her public statements focus on stability, resilience, and building a secure environment for her children.

Professionally, she has continued to reinvent herself, returning to television and exploring new projects that reflect her current stage of life.