Kimora Lee Simmons estranged husband Tim Leissner has filed for divorce following more than a decade together.
The filing comes at a time when he is facing ongoing legal consequences related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (MDB) scandal and a federal jail sentence.
Kimora Lee-Simmons has continued to focus her attention on her family, business career and major life changes while focusing on her family.
Tim Leissner files for divorce from Kimora Lee Simmons amid legal troubles
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According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly, Leissner (56), filed the petition in Los Angeles on February 4, citing irreconcilable disagreements.
While the exact date of separation has not been specified, reports indicate that the couple has lived apart since at least 2020.
Leissner, in the filing, asks for spousal maintenance from Simmons, 50. She also asks the court to stop her from receiving financial assistance from him. He also wants his legal fees covered.
The former couple has one son, Wolfe Lee Leissner. Simmons is the mother of several other children, including two sons, Jaden and Gary, and two daughters, Ming and Aoki, from her previous marriage with Russell Simmons.
Leissner’s filing is part of ongoing legal proceedings relating to his role in 1Malaysia Development Berhad 1MDB scandal.
Tim Leissner’s Legal Troubles And Divorce Application Amid 1MDB Scandal Falls
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Leissner pleaded guilty to charges of money laundering and violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in 2018.
In exchange for his guilty plea, he forfeited shares worth over $200 million and tens of thousands of dollars. Authorities in the United States estimate that approximately $4.5 billion of the fund was misappropriated.
Henry Mazurek, his attorney, said that Leissner had finalized his divorce just days before he reported to a federal prison in Pennsylvania on 6 February. According to prison records, he’s expected to be released in September 2027.
During his sentencing he expressed regret for his actions and apologized to the people in Malaysia. He also acknowledged the impact of the scandal.
Kimora Lee Simmons Alludes To Her Marital Struggles
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In recent interviews, Simmons has made a number of references to her personal changes.
In December, she spoke about her changing life, referencing changes in her career, her relationships, and her investments, while highlighting her role as a mom.
The former model stated that she raises her children largely independently and places a high priority on being present with them.
Kimora Lee Simmons Relationship Timeline and Reflections on Co-Parenting
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In 2012, Leissner and Simmons were first linked. This was shortly after she split with Hounsou. In 2014, their marriage was confirmed publicly. Russell Simmons addressed speculation at the time by stating that Leissner was already a part of the family.
Russell tweeted that time: “We all love @OfficialKimora but the truth is she’s happily married.” “Tim is family since a long time.”
Before her relationship, Simmons was married for 11 years to Russell Simmons before their divorce in 2009. She later dated Hounsou, for several years.
In an interview with People Magazine in 2025, Simmons revealed that she has a very limited relationship with the fathers of her children and raises them largely on her own.
She said she was the primary parent, and that her focus was on personal growth and independence. She added that she is content to be single and prioritize her family.
Kimora Lee Simmons reflects on Baby Phat sale, says she was underpaid and left out of key deal talks
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Simmons also spoke about the lessons she learned from her early entrepreneurial ventures, including her work with Baby Phat.
Baby Phat, launched in 1999, grew to be a fashion brand that defined the early 2000s. It generated over $1 billion dollars in revenue. Simmons revealed, however, that when the company, valued at $140 million was sold, she received a fraction of this amount. She estimated her share to be about $20 million or even less.
She said that she “missed the preliminary conversations” that led up to the sale and therefore, key decisions were taken without her input.
The Kimora Lee Simmons’ Husband Demands Spousal support While Asking the Court to Block Her from His Money originally appeared on The Blast.
