How Many Times Has Kimora Lee Simmons Been Married
Kimora Lee Simmons has been married three times, with each union connecting her to prominent figures in business, fashion, and finance. Her marriage history is closely tied to high-net-worth partnerships and ventures in luxury retail, venture capital, and brand building. Public records and interviews confirm three distinct marriages, with the most recent divorce finalized in the late 2010s. Each marriage influenced her personal brand, parenting strategy, and investment portfolio, including stakes in companies like Forbes.
Kimora Lee Simmons First Marriage to Russell Simmons
Her first marriage was to Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings and a pioneer in hip-hop and lifestyle branding. The couple married in 1998 and had two daughters, Ming and Aoki, before divorcing in 2009. During the marriage, Simmons expanded her role in fashion with the Phat Farm and Baby Phat labels, which generated significant retail revenue and licensing deals. Russell Simmons remains active in private equity and media, with recent ventures covered by Forbes.
Marriage Timeline and Key Details
Marriage to Russell Simmons
Duration
1998 to 2009
Children
Two daughters: Ming and Aoki
Divorce
Settled in 2009, with ongoing co-parenting and business ties
Kimora Lee Simmons Second Marriage to Tim Leissner
Her second marriage was to Tim Leissner, a former Goldman Sachs managing director and key figure in the 1MDB scandal. They married in 2014 and divorced in 2018. Leissner pleaded guilty to charges related to the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund fraud, and the case was detailed by the SEC. The marriage drew attention to Simmons' financial literacy and her role in managing high-profile relationships amid regulatory scrutiny.
Marriage Timeline and Key Details
Marriage to Tim Leissner
Duration
2014 to 2018
Children
One son: Kenzo Lee Simmons
Divorce
Finalized in 2018, following Leissner's legal proceedings
Kimora Lee Simmons Third Marriage to Allen Chen
Her third marriage was to Allen Chen, a venture capital investor and tech entrepreneur. The couple married in a private ceremony and later divorced, with the split finalized in the late 2010s. Chen's background in early-stage technology investing aligned with Simmons' focus on brand innovation and digital commerce. The marriage highlighted her continued expansion into venture capital and startup ecosystems, as noted by Bloomberg.
Marriage Timeline and Key Details
Marriage to Allen Chen
Duration
Late 2010s
Children
No children