Kimora Lee Simmons is speaking publicly for the first time about her daughter Aoki Lee Simmons’ brief but highly controversial relationship with 65-year-old restaurateur Vittorio Assaf. The fashion mogul opened up during an appearance on the podcast “Skinny But Not Fat,” describing the dynamic as “predatorial” and expressing deep concern about the extreme age difference.
The conversation has resurfaced front and center as Kimora addresses the issue on her new E! reality series, “Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane,” which premiered December 2, 2025.
A Relationship That Sparked Headlines
In April 2024, photos of Aoki, then 21, and Assaf surfaced from a vacation trip to St. Barths. The pair were photographed kissing and showing affection, instantly igniting social media debates about power imbalances in significant age-gap relationships.
The 44-year gap came as a shock to many observers — including Aoki’s mother.
Kimora Speaks Out
During the podcast, Kimora shared that she was blindsided when she first learned of the relationship online.
“I do think it’s predatorial,” Kimora said bluntly, stressing that her priority is protecting her daughter rather than passing judgment.
She explained that while she encourages independence and allows her children to learn through experience, this situation crossed a boundary for her as a parent.
“I let my kids make their own mistakes. Like I said. But I do think it’s predatorial,” she continued.
Balancing Parenthood and Public Scrutiny
Kimora is the mother of five children and has long publicly discussed her approach to parenting — one that values autonomy while standing firm on safety and ethics. The situation with Aoki placed her philosophy under the spotlight, forcing her to intervene more directly.
The E! series shows the family addressing challenges together, including tough conversations around relationships, boundaries, and emotional well-being.
Reality Returns to TV
Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane marks the star’s return to reality television after several years away. The two-hour premiere provided a candid look at her life balancing her business empire, motherhood, and family dynamics.
Aoki, now 22, and her sister Ming, 25, play central roles in the show, offering viewers insight into their lives as young adults navigating media attention and personal growth.
The renewed conversation around the relationship highlights wider discussions in the entertainment world about consent, influence, and responsibility when major age gaps exist — particularly involving young women entering adulthood.
A Brief But Impactful Fling
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Who | Aoki Lee Simmons & Vittorio Assaf |
| Timeline | April 2024 (brief) |
| Aoki’s Age | 21 |
| Assaf’s Age | 65 |
| Age Gap | 44 years |
| Public Reveal | St. Barths vacation photos |
As the new reality series unfolds, viewers can expect more personal reflections from Kimora and her daughters — and continued discussion about boundaries and emotional safety in relationships.
