Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, expresses love and support for daughter Aoki Lee Simmons after intimate photos with 65-year-old Vittorio Assaf go public.
In an Instagram post shared on Saturday, Russell, 66, reminisced about a past Father’s Day celebration with Aoki, 21, showcasing their close bond despite recent events.
❤️ ❤ 😍 💖
He captioned the post with a heartfelt message reaffirming his unconditional love for his daughter, expressing readiness to be there for her anytime.
While many fans were surprised by Russell’s seemingly supportive stance, some social media users questioned the timing of his post, given the ongoing discussions surrounding Aoki’s relationship. ❤ 😍 💖 ❣
Meanwhile, Kimora Lee Simmons, Aoki’s mother and Russell’s ex-wife, shared a cryptic Instagram Story hinting at her protective stance as a mother, indicating potential disapproval of Aoki and Assaf’s romance.
Family tensions and dynamics have previously surfaced in public, notably when Aoki’s older sister, Ming Lee Simmons, opted to honor her mother instead of Russell during a Father’s Day tribute in June 2023. This incident led to public discussions about parental roles and responsibilities.
Aoki, who has generally kept her dating life private, has not commented on her relationship with Assaf, with whom she was photographed sharing intimate moments during a vacation at St. Bart’s.
Assaf’s personal life has also garnered attention due to his previous relationship scandal involving model Charlotte Bonstrom, who left him for her twin sister’s ex-husband, Thierry Gillier, in 2021. Assaf has since been linked to model Nya Gatbel.
Despite the public scrutiny of their personal lives, Russell and Aoki maintain privacy regarding sensitive family matters.
The recent events serve as a reminder of the complexities within familial relationships and the challenges of managing public scrutiny in celebrity circles.
