Russell Simmons Addresses Daughter Aoki Lee Simmons' Relationship with Vittorio Assaf, 65

Russell Simmons is showing his support for his daughter Aoki Lee Simmons and her relationship with Vittorio Assaf, a restaurateur.

In an interview with TMZ on Monday, April 8, Russell, 66, expressed his acceptance of Aoki's choices. He mentioned that he prefers offering advice and unconditional love instead of kicking and screaming about her decisions.

Russell shared that he had a chat with Aoki, who is 21 years old, the day before it was reported that she was romantically linked to Assaf, who is 65. According to Russell, Aoki gave him a heads-up that their relationship might cause some chatter online.

On Tuesday, April 2, photos surfaced showing Aoki and Assaf getting cozy in the Caribbean, as reported by Page Six. The two were seen enjoying each other's company on the beach before taking a dip in the ocean. Aoki posted pictures from their trip on her Instagram, but she chose not to include her boyfriend in the photos.

A source told People on Friday, April 5, that the couple is happily spending time together.

Aoki is the daughter of Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons, along with Ming Lee Simmons. Despite facing criticism for their age difference, Aoki and Assaf's relationship was revealed.

Russell Simmons Responds to Daughter Aoki Dating Older Man

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Russell shared a sweet message for Aoki amid the chatter. He posted a throwback from last Father's Day in NYC, mentioning a bode Bikram yoga express class, vegan lunch, cryotherapy, and a vitamin drip. It was an all-around amazing day, as he expressed his love for Aoki via Instagram on Saturday, April 6.

Kimora, on the other hand, had a different reaction that caught attention. In a since-deleted video, she reposted a clip of a mother panda pulling away her baby cup with her teeth. Alongside the video, Kimora wrote, "On my last nerve right now!"

In June 2023, Ming, who is 24 years old, posted a Father's Day tribute for Kimoa but did not mention Russell. (Kimora and Russell were married from 1998 to 2009.)

Russell Simmons Responds to Daughter Aoki Dating Older Man

After Ming’s post, Russell posted a mysterious message hinting that Kimora was responsible for his strained relationship with his children. The following day, Aoki countered the allegations by posting a collection of text messages and video chats with her father, which have since been deleted.

Kimora stood up for her daughters by addressing her ex-husband's behavior and subtly mentioning his past sexual misconduct allegations from 2018. (Russell has denied the accusations.)

Russell later took to Instagram to publicly apologize to Ming and Aoki. He reassured them, saying, "God is testing you a little bit, it's OK, be strong." He acknowledged that challenges are a part of growth and reminded them of the lessons from his books and teachings. Russell encouraged them to "smile and breathe" and to trust in God's plan for them. He expressed deep regret for his frustration and yelling, but emphasized that his love for them is unconditional and greater than his love for himself.

Editor's P/S:

Russell Simmons's approach to his daughter's relationship, despite its age difference, is commendable. His emphasis on support and open communication creates a positive and understanding environment for Aoki. It is refreshing to see a father prioritize his daughter's happiness and well-being over societal norms.

However, Kimora's reaction raises concerns about potential underlying issues within the family. Her cryptic post suggests tension and may have contributed to the strained relationship between Russell and his children. It is important for all family members to communicate openly and respectfully to address any misunderstandings and work towards a harmonious resolution.