Kimora Lee reportedly compares her past relationship with ex-husband Russell Simmons to daughter Aoki Lee Simmons' controversial fling with much-older Vittorio Assaf.
- Apr 9, 2024
AceShowbiz - Aoki Lee Simmons, 21, and Vittorio Assaf, 65, have reportedly ended their brief relationship. The model and restaurateur were spotted spending time together in St. Barths, sparking much discussion and criticism due to their 44-year age gap.
A source close to the Simmons family initially downplayed the relationship, stating it was "never a thing." However, Aoki's mother, Kimora Lee Simmons, who met Russell Simmons when she was 17, was concerned about her daughter's involvement due to her own experiences.
"Kimora was concerned to see her daughter in that kind of relationship due to what she herself went through," a source told PEOPLE.
Russell Simmons, Aoki's father, appeared more supportive, indicating that he had spoken to his daughter about the situation and offered his unconditional love.
The relationship ignited a heated debate on social media, with many questioning the age gap and Aoki's parents' lack of intervention. Kimora Lee Simmons seemingly addressed the backlash by reposting a video of a mother panda pulling away at her cub, accompanied by a caption expressing frustration.
Russell Simmons responded to online criticism, saying that he had called his daughter and would support her choices while offering advice.
A source close to Aoki told Page Six that the relationship was "100% done" and that they were "absolutely not dating." The source described Assaf as an "older man with little boy charm" who has a history of dating younger women.
According to multiple sources, Aoki reached out to her father in a panic after news of the relationship began to circulate, but they emphasized that they are no longer dating. Meanwhile, Kimora Lee Simmons was reportedly furious about the relationship.
Despite social media videos showing Aoki referring to Assaf as her "boyfriend" and expressing happiness during their vacation, she has since stated that she was never in a relationship with him.
Sources close to Aoki have also denied "sugar baby" rumor which emerged as she struggled to book modelling job because of negative comments about her body. They insisted that she is neither materialistic nor value expensive gifts.
