Kimora Lee Simmons called her daughter’s brief 2024 romance with 65-year-old Vittorio Assaf "predatorial" due to the 44-year age gap.

Kimora Lee Simmons spoke publicly for the first time about her daughter Aoki Lee Simmons’ brief 2024 relationship with 65-year-old restaurateur Vittorio Assaf, describing the age-gap romance as "predatorial" and expressing shock upon learning of it through public photos. The relationship, which lasted about a week and was spotted in St. Barths, drew widespread attention due to the 44-year age difference. Simmons, who knew Assaf personally but not romantically, said she was blindsided and concerned, reflecting on her own past relationships while emphasizing her support for her daughter’s autonomy. She stressed the relationship was short-lived and not serious, calling it “just a moment,” and refrained from legal action, focusing instead on her daughter’s well-being amid intense public scrutiny.