Russell and Kimora
Lee Simmons have announced that they are calling it quits after seven years
of marriage.
In a statement
released to the Associated Press today (March 31), the Simmons’ confirmed reports
that surfaced stating the couple had split up.
"Kimora and
I will remain committed parents and caring friends with great love and admiration
for each other," Russell Simmons said in a statement. "We
will also continue to work side by side on a daily basis as partners in all
of our businesses."
Both Simmons’ run
several successful businesses, including The Simmons Jewelry Company and the
Phat Farm/Baby Phat clothing brands.
Russell Simmons,
founder of Def Jam, started the Phat Farm clothing line in 1992 and Kimora helped
launched the women’s line, Baby Phat.
Simmons sold Phat Fashions
to clothing company Kellwood in 2004 for $140 million dollars in cash. Kimora
Lee, will continue as principle creative arbiter at Baby Phat.
Despite recent
public appearances, Simmons said he and Kimora had been separated for some time.
The couple also
has two young daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki.