Tim Leissner, the former Goldman Sachs banker currently serving a prison sentence, has filed for divorce from fashion mogul and television personality Kimora Lee Simmons. The legal action was initiated on April 20, according to court documents obtained by E! News.
Leissner, 56, is incarcerated for his role in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, a Malaysian embezzlement scheme where authorities estimate $4.5 billion was misappropriated from a state fund. He signed the divorce papers on February 4, just two days before reporting to a federal correctional facility in Pennsylvania.
In his filing, Leissner cites "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for ending their 12-year marriage. The documents reveal two primary requests from the imprisoned financier:
He has petitioned the court for joint legal and physical custody of the couple's 11-year-old son, Wolfe. Leissner is also seeking spousal support from Simmons and has asked that she cover his attorney fees. Concurrently, he has moved to terminate any potential alimony rights Simmons might have from him.
Regarding the division of assets, Leissner's filing states he wishes to retain all earnings and property acquired before the marriage, along with any gifts, inheritances, and personal effects like jewelry. The document notes, "There are additional separate property assets and obligations, the exact nature and extent of which are not presently known."
Kimora Lee Simmons, 50, has not publicly commented on the divorce filing. However, in a December interview, she hinted at personal changes, stating, "I've changed jobs, careers a few times, husbands, investments." Simmons has a blended family, sharing two adult daughters with ex-husband Russell Simmons and a teenage son with former partner Djimon Hounsou, in addition to her son with Leissner.
Leissner was sentenced to two years in prison in May 2025. During his sentencing hearing, he expressed remorse, telling the court, "First and foremost, I offer my sincere apology to the people of Malaysia. I deeply regret my actions." Prison records indicate his scheduled release date is September 29, 2027.
E! News has reached out to Simmons for comment but has not received a response.