Kimora Lee Simmons and her estranged husband, Tim Leissner, are moving forward with their divorce after more than a decade of marriage. The former Goldman Sachs banker filed legal paperwork to dissolve their union in February 2022, just days before beginning a two-year federal prison sentence related to his role in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal. Court documents obtained by E! News show Leissner signed the divorce petition on February 4, 2022, and surrendered to authorities two days later.
The filing cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split after 12 years of marriage. Leissner, who married Simmons in March 2014, requested joint custody of their 11-year-old son Wolfe and sought spousal support from the Baby Phat founder. He also asked the court to terminate Simmons’ eligibility to receive alimony. The documents were formally filed with the court on April 20, 2022, according to the petition reviewed by entertainment news outlets.
Leissner’s legal troubles stem from his conviction in the 1MDB scandal, one of the largest financial frauds in history. As chairman of Goldman Sachs’ Southeast Asia division, he played a central role in orchestrating schemes that diverted billions of dollars from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund. In 2018, he pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder money and violating anti-bribery laws. After years of legal proceedings, he was sentenced on May 29, 2025, to two years in federal prison. He began serving his term at a correctional facility in Pennsylvania on February 6, 2022, and is scheduled for release on September 29, 2027.
During his sentencing hearing, Leissner expressed remorse for his actions. “I offer my sincere apology to the people of Malaysia,” he told the court, as reported by Reuters. “I deeply regret my involvement in the 1MDB scandal and the harm it caused.” His cooperation with authorities contributed to avoiding a longer sentence, though he still faces financial penalties, including a $43 million fine agreed upon in earlier settlements.
Simmons, who turned 50 in 2024, has not publicly commented on Leissner’s incarceration or the divorce proceedings. The fashion designer and television personality, known for her reality show “Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane,” has remained focused on her children and business ventures. She shares two children with Leissner: son Wolfe and daughter Ming Lee, from a previous relationship. Simmons was previously married to music producer Russell Simmons, with whom she has two daughters, Ming and Aoki Lee.
The divorce adds another chapter to Simmons’ personal life, which has often unfolded in the public eye. Her marriage to Leissner began amid high-profile celebrations and media attention, marking her second walk down the aisle. Now, as she navigates this separation while her husband serves time, the focus remains on their son Wolfe’s well-being and the equitable resolution of their marital assets.
As of the April 20, 2022 filing date, neither party had issued a public statement through legal representatives. E! News noted that attempts to reach Simmons’ representative for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. The case continues to proceed through family court, with future hearings expected to address custody arrangements, financial disclosures, and the final terms of the divorce decree.
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