Kimora Lee Simmons is candidly discussing her feelings about her daughter, Aoki Lee, dating 65-year-old restaurateur Vittorio Assaf during a short-lived romance in April 2024. In a preview clip from an upcoming episode of the “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast, hosted by Amanda Hirsch, Simmons reflects on the complexities of parenting in the public eye and the challenges of watching her daughter navigate such a significant age gap in a relationship.
Simmons reveals she allowed her daughter to make her own choices, acknowledging that coming of age in the spotlight can be particularly difficult. When asked about her initial reaction to the relationship, she admits to feeling concerned, describing the situation as “predatorial.” However, she refrained from openly criticizing Aoki’s decisions, recognizing that the relationship escalated quickly.
The mother of five shared her surprise at the rapid development of the relationship, stating, “I didn’t even know this was a thing. I found out when the world found out.” Simmons expressed her understanding of the need to hold back her instinctive reactions and criticisms as a parent during such tumultuous moments. “You can’t give the, ‘I told you so,’ right now,” she explained, acknowledging that Aoki was likely experiencing a lot of emotions.
Simmons further elaborated on the implications of such age-gap relationships, reflecting on her personal experiences and stating, “I do think it’s predatorial and kinda crazy.” This sentiment underscores her protective nature as a mother while also allowing Aoki the space to learn and grow from her own experiences.
After just four days of public attention, it was confirmed that Aoki and Assaf had ended their brief romance. A source close to the family commented, “Not only is it ‘over’, it was never a thing,” indicating that Aoki is still figuring out how to manage her personal life in such a visible environment.
This situation highlights the challenges faced by those growing up in the spotlight, revealing an ongoing conversation about relationships and the role of parents in guiding their children through life’s complexities.
