Russell Simmons has been sharing photos of his 21-year-old daughter, Aoki Lee Simmons, on social media after she was seen kissing 65-year-old restaurateur Vittorio Assaf. He posted throwback pictures of Aoki and her 24-year-old sister, Ming Lee Simmons on Instagram, along with an inspirational quote encouraging positivity in all situations. The controversial relationship between Aoki and Assaf, due to their significant age gap, has garnered attention in the media. Simmons has also posted a supportive message for Aoki after she jetted off with Assaf to the Caribbean.
The father of two has had a strained relationship with his daughters over the years. Last summer, Ming Lee shared a Father’s Day tribute to her mother instead of her father, which led to Russell responding with messages about the importance of fathers in their children’s lives. Aoki later criticized her father in a series of now-deleted messages, alleging that he had been “awful” to her for years. Russell eventually apologized for his behavior, acknowledging his mistakes.
As Aoki, a Harvard University graduate and upcoming model, has mostly lived away from the public eye, not much is known about her dating history. On the other hand, Vittorio Assaf, who was previously married to Charlotte Bonstrom, has been in the news for his romantic entanglements. Bonstrom left Assaf for her twin sister’s ex-husband in 2021, and Assaf has since moved on to a relationship with 24-year-old model Nya Gatbel before being seen with Aoki. Although Assaf has not publicly addressed his new romance, Aoki has referred to him as her “boyfriend” on Instagram Live, causing some backlash from fans who found the relationship disturbing.
Despite the past tensions and controversies, Russell Simmons continues to show love and support for his daughters. In one Instagram post, he expressed his affection for Aoki and her achievements, emphasizing that he is always there for them. Even though the family dynamics have been complicated, with disagreements and misunderstandings, Simmons appears committed to maintaining a positive relationship with his daughters. It is evident that family remains an important aspect of his life, and he is willing to make amends and apologize when necessary.
As the media continues to follow the story of Aoki Lee Simmons and Vittorio Assaf’s relationship, there is speculation about how it will unfold. Both individuals come from different backgrounds, with varying experiences and perspectives that could impact their relationship. While some criticize the age difference between the two, others may view it as a unique connection that defies conventional norms. Regardless of the public opinion, Aoki and Assaf’s romance is their own journey, and how it evolves will depend on their mutual understanding and commitment to each other. Only time will tell what the future holds for this unlikely couple.
