Kimora Lee Simmons Entangled in $25 Million Mansion Dispute Linked to 1MDB Scandal
Kimora Lee Simmons, the 50-year-old reality television star and fashion entrepreneur, is reportedly refusing to vacate a luxurious $25 million Beverly Hills mansion. The property was originally purchased in 2017 by her estranged second husband, Tim Leissner, using funds connected to the massive $4.5 billion theft from the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB.
Contested Sale and Unpaid Rent in Lavish Estate
Three years after the initial purchase, Leissner's LLC, Keyway Pride, sold the seven-bedroom estate to real estate brothers David Reuben and Simon Reuben. The deal, as reported by the New York Post, required monthly payments of $67,000. However, Simmons has been residing at the lavish 3.7-acre property located at 25 Beverly Park Circle since November 2020, and no rent has been paid to date.
Notably, Simmons filmed her rebooted eight-episode E! reality show, Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane, inside the mansion. The production showcased the home's opulent features, including a towering closet that houses an impressive collection of 698 designer bags.
Legal Battle and Upcoming Court Proceedings
A trial-setting conference for the civil dispute over possession, title, and liability of the legally contested home is scheduled for February 25. Simmons, the founder of Baby Phat, challenged the sale and leaseback of the property in Beverly Hills court in 2021. She claimed the Reuben brothers illegally purchased the house without her permission, though it is alleged she signed a Keyway resolution authorizing the sale.
Background on Tim Leissner's Incarceration
Last Friday, Tim Leissner, a 56-year-old convicted felon, surrendered himself to the Federal Correctional Complex in Allenwood, Pennsylvania. He is serving a two-year sentence for conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and participating in a money laundering conspiracy related to the 1MDB scandal.
Simmons, born in St. Louis, and Leissner, a German-born investment banker, welcomed a 10-year-old son named Wolfe during their marriage. No divorce papers have been filed, and the couple has not been photographed together since 2019.
Simmons' Family Dynamics and Past Relationships
The Tony-winning producer has two daughters from her previous 11-year marriage to ex-husband Russell Simmons: Ming, 26, and Aoki, 23. Their marriage ended in 2009. Russell Simmons, the 68-year-old ousted co-founder of Def Jam, is currently living in exile in Bali after being accused of sexual assault and misconduct by over 20 women. As of November 3, Rolling Stone reported that he still owes $11 million to three of his accusers.
Simmons' blended family also includes a 16-year-old son, Kenzo, with ex-fiancé Djimon Hounsou, a two-time Oscar nominee. She has an adopted 16-year-old son named Gary and a "bonus" 19-year-old son called Jaden. Additionally, Simmons serves as godmother to the 19-year-old twin daughters of incarcerated rap mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Jessie and D'Lila.
Recent Public Exchanges and Family Statements
In December, Simmons admitted she "doesn't have a relationship, really" with any of her exes. She told People magazine, "The kids are with me full-time. I'm pretty much the primary parent. It's difficult, but I don't know sometimes what other people are thinking. Guys are weird. If I wasn't this person, I don't know if we would've made it or if we would be okay."
Her ex-husband Russell Simmons clapped back on Threads on December 14, claiming she prevented him from speaking to their daughters and that he gave her "$50,000 a month for 20 years" until he sued her over the sale of Celsius stock shares. Simmons responded on Instagram Stories, stating, "My 'girls' are grown women! You know these are lies. Why are you typing from thousands of miles away in a non-extradition country? Go negotiate and answer your accusers."
