A recent court filing in the divorce proceedings between Kimora Lee Simmons and her estranged husband Tim Leissner has caused confusion, with documents initially indicating Simmons requested Leissner receive legal and physical custody of their 11-year-old son, Wolfe. Leissner is currently incarcerated for financial crimes.
Sources close to Simmons have clarified that the request was a clerical error. Simmons has maintained full custody of Wolfe since the couple separated in 2020. The remainder of the filing reportedly accurately reflects Simmons' stance on spousal support, with her seeking support from Leissner and aiming to terminate his ability to receive it. She also requested that Leissner cover her attorney's fees and costs.
Leissner, a former Goldman Sachs director, pleaded guilty in August 2018 to conspiring to launder money and violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in relation to a Malaysian government transaction. As part of his plea agreement, he forfeited $43 million in cash and over $200 million in stock. In February, Leissner began a two-year prison sentence at the United States Penitentiary, Allenwood in Pennsylvania.
Leissner filed for divorce in April, citing irreconcilable differences in their 12-year marriage. He had also requested spousal support from Simmons and asked that she cover his court expenses. Simmons has four other children from previous relationships: daughters Ming and Aoki with ex-husband Russell Simmons; son Kenzo with ex-Djimon Hounsou; and adopted son Gary.
Simmons was married to Russell Simmons from 1998 until their divorce was finalized in 2009. The Def Jam co-founder has faced numerous accusations of sexual misconduct. He relocated to Bali, Indonesia, after the allegations surfaced. The legal proceedings between Simmons and Leissner come years after their separation in 2020, with the divorce officially initiated earlier this year.