Last Updated on October 17, 2026 by Ayoko Francisca Ahite

Kimora Lee Simmons has officially reverted to her maiden name, Kimora Lee. This change comes amid ongoing disputes with her ex-husband, Russell Simmons, to whom she was married from 1998 to 2009. Together, they share two daughters, Ming and Aoki.

After their divorce, Kimora and Russell remained on good terms, and she made him the godfather of the additional children she later welcomed. Even after she remarried, Kimora kept “Simmons,” a choice many criticized on social media.

So why now?

Recently, Kimora and Russell had a heated back-and-forth on social media after he accused her of stealing valuable stock from him. He also claimed that she threatened to keep their children away from him if he took legal action for the alleged stock theft, an accusation she called “lies.”

Additionally, sexual assault allegations made against Russell over the years have recently resurfaced amid accusations that he failed to pay millions in confidential settlement agreements to the accusers. This prompted Kimora to call him out amid their family feud, saying, “Go negotiate and answer your accusers.”

Therefore, this name change seems like a way for Kimora to distance herself from the drama and negativity and focus on herself and her brand.

In a statement to Complex, Kimora explained that the change was intentional, adding that she is focused “on protecting her family, building a legacy, and moving forward with grace and power.”