Russell Simmons has publicly expressed his support for his daughter, Aoki Lee Simmons, and her relationship with restaurateur Vittorio Assaf. Despite the criticism surrounding the couple’s age gap, Russell stated that he will not protest against Aoki’s choices and will instead offer his advice and unconditional love. Aoki had informed her father about her romance with Assaf before news of their relationship became public, anticipating the online conversation it would generate. Photos surfaced of the couple displaying affection in the Caribbean, further fueling speculation about their relationship.
A source confirmed the relationship between Aoki and Assaf, revealing that they are enjoying each other’s company. Aoki, the youngest daughter of Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons, found herself under scrutiny due to her relationship with Assaf. Amid the criticism, Russell took to social media to share a sweet message for Aoki, reflecting on their past Father’s Day celebration. Kimora, on the other hand, posted a since-deleted video that appeared to express frustration, sparking further interest in the family dynamics.
The Simmons family has been in the spotlight before, notably when Ming Lee Simmons, Aoki’s sister, omitted mention of Russell in a Father’s Day tribute. Following this incident, Russell hinted at Kimora being responsible for the strained relationship with his children. Aoki responded by sharing private text messages and video chats with her father in an attempt to clarify the situation. Kimora defended her daughters and criticized Russell, alluding to the sexual misconduct allegations he faced in 2018, which he denies.
In response to the tensions within the family, Russell publicly apologized to Ming and Aoki on Instagram. He acknowledged the challenges they were facing as part of their growth process and encouraged them to remain strong and focused. Despite expressing frustration and apologizing for any yelling, Russell reassured his daughters of his unconditional love and support. The family’s public dynamics continue to draw attention, with each member navigating their relationships and individual challenges in the public eye. Overall, Russell’s message emphasizes his ongoing commitment to his daughters and his desire to mend any rifts within the family unit.
