Russell Simmons Says He Won’t “Kick and Scream” Over 21-Year-Old Daughter Aoki’s Relationship With 65-Year-Old Restauranteur

Russell Simmons isn’t stressing over recent buzz about his 21-year-old daughter, Aoki Lee Simmons, dating 65-year-old restaurant owner Vittori Assaf. Despite photos of them being cozy together, Simmons remains composed and unfazed by the situation.

In an interview with TMZ, the music executive remained calm, saying he won’t “kick and scream about her choices.” Russell also confirmed that Aoki informed him about her relationship with the Serafina founder a day before the news broke.

“All I can do is offer my advice and unconditional love,” Russell said Monday.

Over the weekend, Simmons also shared a heartfelt throwback Father’s Day post on Instagram, expressing his love for Aoki and his readiness to support her whenever she needs him.

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A post shared by Russell Simmons/Gdas (@unclerush)

The internet buzzed last week after Page Six published photos of Aoki and Assaf boo’d up on a St. Barths beach. Amidst the controversy, Aoki chose to turn off comments on her Instagram photos, possibly hinting at her desire for privacy amid the media frenzy.

Before images of their trip went public, Aoki went on Instagram Live to give a glimpse of their travels, where she casually chatted with Assaf about their favorite parts of the trip. Despite all the speculation and attention, Aoki seems to remain calm while gracefully handling the public scrutiny of her relationship complexities with the millionaire.

Assaf made headlines in 2021 when his now ex-wife, former model Charlotte Bonstrom, left him after she had an affair with her twin sister’s ex-husband, Thierry Gillier.