Kimora Lee Simmons, the renowned fashion designer and former reality TV star, is navigating a major personal transition as her husband of 12 years, Tim Leissner, has initiated divorce proceedings just before beginning a two-year prison sentence.
Leissner, a former Goldman Sachs banker, signed the divorce paperwork on February 4, two days before surrendering to a federal correctional facility in Pennsylvania on February 6. The legal documents were officially filed on April 20, citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for ending their marriage.
"I've changed jobs, careers a few times, husbands, investments," Simmons told E! News in a December interview, subtly referencing the relationship changes in her life. "I am a boy mom. I was a girl mom. It's life."
Leissner's legal troubles stem from his 2018 guilty plea for his involvement in the massive 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, where U.S. authorities estimate $4.5 billion was stolen from a Malaysian state-owned investment fund. During his sentencing last year, he expressed remorse, stating: "First and foremost, I offer my sincere apology to the people of Malaysia. I deeply regret my actions."
In the divorce filing, Leissner requested joint custody of their 11-year-old son Wolfe and asked the court to terminate Simmons' ability to receive alimony while seeking spousal support from the Baby Phat founder himself. Simmons, who has not publicly commented on Leissner's legal situation or the divorce, shares two adult daughters with her first husband Russell Simmons and a teenage son with ex-partner Djimon Hounsou.
Leissner is scheduled for release on September 29, 2027, according to prison records. Simmons' representative has not responded to requests for comment regarding the divorce proceedings.