Kimora Lee Simmons' Husbands: The Billion-Dollar Scandals, Legal Battles, And The $93 Million Asset Fight

Kimora Lee Simmons, the iconic fashion mogul who brought the world Baby Phat, has always commanded headlines, but in recent years, the focus has shifted from the runway to the courtroom. As of late 2024, the narrative surrounding the entrepreneur's love life is less about romance and more about high-stakes financial and legal drama involving her two most significant partners: hip-hop pioneer Russell Simmons and former Goldman Sachs banker Tim Leissner.

The question of "Who is Kimora Lee Simmons' husband?" is complex, as she is currently separated from her last husband, Tim Leissner, whose conviction in one of the world's largest financial scandals has dragged her into a multi-million-dollar legal fight. This deep dive uncovers the full story of the men who married her, the massive scandals that followed, and the current legal battles that define her life today.

The Men Who Married Kimora Lee Simmons: A Biographical Profile

Kimora Lee Simmons has had two official marriages and one long-term committed partnership, each a fixture in the worlds of music, Hollywood, and global finance. Her dating history is as high-profile as her career.

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Russell Simmons (Ex-Husband)

• Full Name: Russell Wendell Simmons
• Born: October 4, 1957 (Age 68 as of late 2025)
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Entrepreneur, Record Executive, Co-founder of Def Jam Recordings and Rush Communications.
• Marriage to Kimora: 1998–2009 (Divorced)
• Children with Kimora: Ming Lee Simmons and Aoki Lee Simmons.
• Current Legal Status: Continues to face multiple civil lawsuits regarding sexual assault allegations dating back to the 1990s and 2000s, with a new lawsuit filed as recently as February 2024.

Tim Leissner (Ex-Husband)

• Full Name: Tim Leissner
• Born: November 2, 1969 (Age 56 as of late 2025)
• Nationality: German
• Occupation: Former Managing Director at Goldman Sachs and Chairman of Southeast Asia operations. Convicted Felon.
• Marriage to Kimora: 2014–2022 (Separated)
• Children with Kimora: Wolfe Lee Leissner (adopted son).
• Current Legal Status: Sentenced to 2 years in prison for his role in the 1MDB scandal, involving a $2.7 billion fraud. He is also a party in a legal battle with Kimora and Russell Simmons over an energy drink company.

Djimon Hounsou (Ex-Partner)

• Full Name: Djimon Gaston Hounsou
• Born: April 24, 1964 (Age 61 as of late 2025)
• Nationality: Beninese-American
• Occupation: Actor (known for Blood Diamond, Gladiator).
• Partnership with Kimora: 2007–2012 (Separated, not legally married).
• Children with Kimora: Kenzo Lee Hounsou.

The Shocking 1MDB Scandal: Tim Leissner’s Downfall

The most dramatic and consequential chapter in Kimora Lee Simmons' relationship history is undoubtedly her marriage to Tim Leissner. Leissner, once a high-flying investment banker at Goldman Sachs, became globally infamous for his central role in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.

The 1MDB scandal is one of the biggest financial frauds in history, involving the embezzlement of billions of dollars from a Malaysian state fund. Leissner pleaded guilty in 2018 to conspiring to violate foreign corrupt practices laws and money laundering, admitting to bribing government officials in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. His testimony revealed a culture of lavish spending, kickbacks, and clandestine deals at the highest levels of global finance. In a recent development, Leissner was sentenced to two years in federal prison for his crimes.

This financial catastrophe has directly impacted Kimora. Legal documents show that she is currently engaged in a contentious legal battle with the U.S. government over assets tied to Leissner.

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The $93 Million Asset Fight: Kimora’s Legal Claims

The most current and pressing legal issue for Kimora Lee Simmons involves a massive forfeiture claim. The U.S. government ordered Tim Leissner to forfeit $43.7 million as part of his guilty plea. However, the total value of assets being targeted is significantly higher, and Kimora is fighting to protect her financial interests.

Kimora has filed a claim asserting that shares worth approximately $93 million, which Leissner was ordered to forfeit, legally belong to her. Her argument suggests that these assets are separate from Leissner’s ill-gotten gains and are part of her own business ventures and investments, specifically linked to her Baby Phat brand and other entities. This legal fight places the fashion mogul directly in the crosshairs of a major international financial investigation, demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of Leissner’s crimes. The outcome of this battle will significantly impact her net worth and business future.

A Tangled Web: Russell Simmons and the Energy Drink Lawsuit

Adding another layer of complexity, Kimora is also embroiled in a separate, multi-million-dollar court battle with her first ex-husband, Russell Simmons. The dispute involves an energy drink firm, Celsius, and accusations of fraudulent transfers of shares. Russell Simmons claims Kimora and Tim Leissner conspired to illegally transfer shares of the company to Leissner's name, which he alleges were used as collateral for Leissner’s bail in the 1MDB case.

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This situation presents a bizarre and unprecedented scenario: two ex-husbands, one a hip-hop icon facing multiple allegations and the other a convicted international felon, are linked together in a legal fight against the woman who was married to both of them. It’s a clear example of how Kimora’s personal life has become intertwined with the largest scandals in their respective industries.

Kimora Lee Simmons Today: Separated and Focused on Business

While the legal drama unfolds, Kimora Lee Simmons remains focused on her career and family. She officially separated from Tim Leissner in 2022, and sources close to the star suggest she is not currently in a serious, publicly confirmed relationship.

Her primary professional focus remains the relaunch and expansion of her iconic fashion label, Baby Phat. The brand, which defined early 2000s urban fashion, was brought back to market with a new generation of designs. This business acumen is key to her estimated net worth, which, despite the financial turmoil surrounding her ex-husband, is reported to be between $80 million and $200 million, a testament to her longevity as an entrepreneur.

Kimora’s life post-Leissner is one of intense focus on her children—Ming Lee, Aoki Lee, Kenzo, and Wolfe Lee—and the defense of her financial empire against the fallout from the 1MDB scandal. The legal battles with both Russell Simmons and the U.S. government ensure that the story of Kimora Lee Simmons and her husbands will continue to evolve, making her one of the most compelling figures in entertainment and business today.