Kimora Lee Simmons calls daughter Aoki’s relationship with 65-year-old restaurateur predatorial, opens up in new reality series premiere

Kimora Lee Simmons is opening up about her daughter Aoki’s brief but controversial relationship. The fashion icon appeared on the “Skinny But Not Fat” podcast to discuss what she called a “predatorial” situation involving her daughter and a much older man. Now her candid reflections are coming to light on her new E! reality series.

A Mother’s Shocking Discovery

When Kimora Lee Simmons first learned about her daughter’s relationship with Vittorio Assaf, she was taken aback by the significant age difference. The restaurateur is 44 years older than Aoki, making the dynamic immediately concerning to her protective mother. What started as casual photos online quickly became a substantial concern for the fashion entrepreneur.

Aoki, who was just entering adulthood at 21, was photographed with Assaf during what appeared to be a relaxed vacation getaway. The images showed the couple engaged and comfortable together, which alarmed Kimora who felt the age gap represented an inherent power imbalance that couldn’t be ignored.

Calling It What She Sees

Kimora Lee Simmons has never been one to mince words, and on her recent podcast appearance, she made her stance crystal clear. The mother of five stated directly, “I do think it’s predatorial,” when discussing the nature of her daughter’s relationship with the significantly older man. Her concerns weren’t about judging her daughter but protecting her from what she viewed as an exploitative dynamic.

The Baby Phat founder emphasized during the interview that she allows her children to make their own mistakes and learn from them. However, she also made it abundantly clear that this particular situation crossed a line in her eyes. Her willingness to speak openly reflects her commitment to addressing age-gap relationships in the entertainment industry.

A Brief Fling That Made Headlines

Relationship Detail	Information
Who	Aoki Lee Simmons and Vittorio Assaf
Timeline	April 2024 – Brief relationship
Aoki’s Age	21 years old
Vittorio’s Age	65 years old
Age Gap	44 years
Where They Met	St. Barths vacation

The relationship came to public attention during that April 2024 trip when Aoki and Vittorio were photographed together in an intimate setting. The images circulated through social media and entertainment news outlets, immediately sparking conversations about age-gap relationships in celebrity circles and beyond.

Family and Parenting Values Under the Spotlight

Kimora Lee Simmons has been open about her parenting philosophy, often stating that she allows her children to learn through experience. She currently raises five children while managing her expansive fashion empire and various business ventures. This approach to parenting emphasizes independence but also requires drawing clear moral lines around safety and exploitation.

In discussing her daughter’s situation on the “Skinny But Not Fat” podcast, Kimora balanced her belief in letting her children make mistakes with her protective instinct as a mother. She emphasized that while she steps back to let Aoki and her other children navigate relationships independently, she wouldn’t stay silent about genuinely concerning dynamics. The predatorial label she applied underscores her conviction that this particular age difference represents an inherent power imbalance.

Reality TV Reveals More Than Ever Before

“Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane,” which premiered on E! Entertainment on December 2, 2025, marks the fashion icon’s long-awaited return to reality television. The show follows Kimora as she juggles her business empire, family responsibilities, and her children’s lives as they grow into adulthood. The two-hour premiere on December 2 at 10 p.m. ET/PT introduced viewers to her world once again after years away from the small screen.

On the new series, Kimora addresses personal and family matters with the same directness she brought to the podcast. Her daughters Ming Lee (25) and Aoki Lee (now 22) appear on the show, offering viewers insight into how the family navigates challenges together. The show demonstrates how Kimora manages parenting and business while maintaining her signature style and confidence.

“I let my kids make their own mistakes, like I said. But I do think it’s predatorial.”

— Kimora Lee Simmons, on the “Skinny But Not Fat” podcast

Sources

• People Magazine – Exclusive interview with Kimora Lee Simmons discussing daughter Aoki’s relationship
• E! News – Coverage of the age-gap relationship and Kimora’s candid podcast remarks
• Parade – Analysis of Kimora Lee Simmons’ parenting approach and family matters