Russell Simmons Denies Inappropriate Romance With Kimora Lee When She Was 17

BY Erika Marie 7.6K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Rob Kim / Stringer / Getty Images
Russell Simmons
Russell Simmons denies rumors that he courted ex-wife Kimora Lee Simmons when she was a teenage model.

Hip hop mogul Russell Simmons has been taking a few hard hits lately. The music icon has been embroiled in scandal after he was hit not only with allegations of sexual assault by multiple women, but a documentary about their accusations has been made public. He's stepped forward to vehemently deny that he's ever engaged in any acts of sexual misconduct, but the controversy has caused people to bring up his relationship with ex-wife Kimora Lee Simmons.

Paul Hawthorne / Staff / Getty Images

There has been gossip that Russell Simmons began courting Kimora when she was an underaged model. They were married, had children together, and later divorced, but they've maintained a close friendship throughout the years. Recently, Russell gave Kimora a birthday shoutout, and in the comments, Russell addressed rumors that he dated his ex-wife when she wasn't of-age.

“I never do this but... That’s not true...," he reportedly penned in a since-deleted comment. "She turned 18 right after i met her February fashion week Tyra banks (our bridesmaid) Cindy Crawford Naomi were all back stage at the Mary McFadden show they said i was a modelizer and that i wasn’t gonna stick around... i think that may have inspired her (the challenge).”

“We got to know each other by May we were dating," Russell added. "She was legal at 17 But she turned 18 that may her mother and her manager Bethann Hardison approved supported and Rushed us (we really didn’t need a push) and the love affair began People like to talk every so often i loose my cool and talk back so take this advice Be happy and share happiness… try to think uplifting thoughts and keep learning to practice love… that’s our goal… oh and celebrate the queen @kimoraleesimmons." Check out his birthday post to Kimora Lee Simmons below.

[via]


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.