Kimora Lee and Russell Simmons relationship explained
RUSSELL Simmons and Kimora Lee were one of entertainment's most-talked-about celebrity couples.
After eight years of marriage, the Def Jam co-founder and Baby Phat designer announced they were going their separate ways.
What is Kimora Lee and Russell Simmons' relationship timeline?
November 1992 - Kimora and Russell meet for the first time
In November 1992, Kimora Lee Perkins and Russell Simmons first crossed paths at New York Fashion Week.
At the time, Kimora was a high-fashion runway model who was a part of several campaigns for Chanel.
Regarding their initial encounter, the former America's Next Top Model judge recalled how her co-workers warned her about dating Russell because of his supposed reputation.
"All the girls were telling me to leave him alone. Said he’s no good," she remembered to Vanity Fair.
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She also shared how her friend Tyra Banks stepped in to tell off the music executive.
"Tyra was like, ‘Leave her alone. She’s a good girl. She’s not like those floozies that you know.'"
December 20, 1998 - Kimora and Russell marry
On December 20, 1998, Kimora and Russell tied the knot in a civil ceremony in Manhattan.
Later in the month, the two held another wedding ceremony in Saint Barthélemy.
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The wedding was officiated by Russell's younger brother Rev Run.
January 2000 - The couple welcomed their first daughter Ming Lee
On January 21, 2000, Kimora and Russell welcomed their first child together; a daughter named Ming Lee.
Kimora's longtime friend Tyra was named Ming Lee's goddaughter.
August 2002 - The couple welcomes their second daughter Aoki
On August 16, 2002, Kimora gave birth to her and Russell's second daughter Aoki Lee.
March 31, 2006 - Kimora and Russell announce separation
On March 31, 2006, a rep for Kimora confirmed she and Russell were separating.
"Kimora and I will remain committed parents and caring friends with great love and admiration for each other," the latter told PEOPLE.
"We will also continue to work side by side on a daily basis as partners in all of our businesses."
March 26, 2008 - Kimora officially files for divorce
Almost two years after separating, Kimora officially filed for divorce on March 26, 2008.
In legal documents, the designer cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their marriage's end.
January 2009 - Kimora and Russell's divorce is finalized
In January 2009, Kimora and Russell's divorce was finalized.
According to court documents, the music executive was ordered to pay the reality TV star $40,000 a month in child support until each daughter reaches 19 and a half years of age.
At the time, the Def Jam co-founder was also granted visitation rights.
June 18, 2023 - Kimora, Ming, and Aoki's Instagram feud with Russell
On June 18, 2023, Ming Lee wished her mother Kimora a happy Father's Day via Instagram and appeared to snub her father Russell.
That same Sunday, Russell took aim at his ex-wife Kimora and said: "Stop telling fathers they should have fought harder to see their children & start asking mothers why he had to fight at all."
Aoki chimed in and responded: "I've had enough. I was always a daddy's girl. You can see that in any picture.
"But he's been awful to me for years and that's just the truth.
"Dad, I stopped talking to you because you were giving me panic attacks to the point I was placed on emergency medication every time we spoke.
"I cannot have a relationship with you until that stops. No one stops me from talking to you, my health does. I have to put that first."
As Kimora reposted Aoki's recollection of events to her own Instagram story, the youngest daughter continued: "You were putting so much anger and rage on me every phone call.
"Cursing and screaming and god knows what else. I'm sorry but I cannot be the target of that it's not fair.
"Some of us do think he is mentally ill or experiencing something like dementia.
"He really acts like he hates and does not know his children frequently."
Kimora came to both of her daughters' defense and commented: "No one should live like this. No one's child."
The trio also shared a muted video of Russell yelling into a camera; the video is believed to be a personal clip directed at either Ming Lee or Aoki Lee.
"This is abuse. Not ok. The threats. Not ok. The fear mongering, not ok," Kimora stated.
"This is how you maneuver with the world and women all around you.
"Your threats and lies and intimidation maneuvers and tactics are sad. Your own flesh and blood? Enough is enough."
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Days later on Tuesday, June 20, Russell replied: "DEEPLY sorry for being frustrated and yelling . . . but know this . . . there are no conditions . . . for sure i love you guys more than i love myself.
"You read my books and heard me preach your whole childhood . . . reach back to old lessons and remember to remember 'smile and breathe' 'smile and breathe' . . . you are the watchers of this world . . . so let go . . . be at ease . . . God is driving and he is working on you."