Aoki Lee Simmons, the 21-year-old daughter of Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons, has set tongues wagging during her recent getaway to St. Barts with 65-year-old restaurateur Vittorio Assaf, co-founder of Serafina. Despite their 43-year age difference, the couple was caught indulging in a romantic rendezvous on the picturesque beaches of the Caribbean island.
Exclusive photos obtained by Page Six captured intimate moments between Simmons and Assaf as they frolicked in the azure waters and lounged on the sun-kissed sands. Sporting an olive-green bikini adorned with tribal prints, Simmons exuded youthful charm, while Assaf, shirtless in light-blue-and-white-printed swim trunks, showcased his timeless appeal.
Although Page Six reached out to representatives for both Simmons and Assaf for comment, there has been no immediate response. Interestingly, while Simmons shared glimpses of her St. Barts excursion on Instagram, conspicuously absent were any images featuring her older paramour.
This newfound relationship marks a departure for Assaf, who was previously married to former model Charlotte Bonstrom for over two decades before their separation amidst reports of her infidelity. Despite the controversy, Assaf has been linked to younger companions in recent years, including model Nya Gatbel.
Simmons, on the other hand, has largely kept her personal life under wraps, with occasional glimpses into her romantic endeavors. Last February, she faced backlash for sharing a Valentine’s Day post with her then-boyfriend, addressing criticisms of her interracial relationship with defiance and poise.
Despite her penchant for privacy, Aoki Lee Simmons, the 21-year-old Harvard graduate and daughter of Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons, recently found herself thrust into the spotlight once again.
Last February, Simmons broke her silence on social media, clapping back at detractors who criticized her interracial relationship.
In a bold move, Simmons shared a Valentine’s Day photo with her then-boyfriend, igniting a firestorm of controversy among fans who questioned her decision to date outside her race. Addressing the backlash head-on, Simmons took to her Instagram Stories to confront the negativity surrounding her personal life.
“It’s genuinely so awful. How is any young person supposed to have a normal well-adjusted life if this is what happens over a Godamn [sic] tagless Valentine’s Day post?!” she passionately expressed, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
Acknowledging the entrenched biases that persist in society, particularly within communities of color, Simmons lamented the regressive attitudes towards interracial relationships. Despite her disappointment, she remained steadfast in her conviction that love knows no bounds.
“Sure I guess I knew the world was stuck in 1950 and would have some recessive & to say about something as simple as an interracial relationship……. Like that’s truly sad, especially from people of color, but it was expected,” Simmons remarked, reflecting on the sobering reality of societal expectations.
Simmons and Assaf’s unconventional romance continues to captivate attention.
Credit: Page Six