Russell Simmons’ daughter, Aoki Lee, recently celebrated her 21st birthday at the Southampton Arts Center Gala. Despite the ongoing public feud she has with her father, Aoki appeared carefree and happy during the event. The gala’s “After Dark” segment turned into an unofficial birthday celebration for Aoki, with her friend Andrew Warren, a young socialite, giving her a special shoutout as the host. The crowd joined in singing “Happy Birthday” while bottles and sparklers were brought to her table. Aoki was joined by her older sister Ming Lee, 23, as well as a group of friends including Ivy Getty, Ava Dash, Emira D’Spain, Peter Brant Jr., Batsheva and Julia Haart, Logan Horne, and Brooks and Meredith Marks. It was undoubtedly a night to remember for Aoki as she embraced her 21st birthday surrounded by loved ones and new friends.
The past year has not been easy for Aoki and her sister Ming as they found themselves in a heated battle with their father, Russell Simmons, on social media. The feud started when Ming posted a heartfelt tribute to their mother, Kimora Lee Simmons, on Father’s Day. Russell reacted angrily to the snub on Instagram, responding, “Stop telling fathers they should have fought harder to see their children and start asking mothers why he had to fight at all.” Aoki followed by accusing her father of mistreating her for years, stating that he needed help but was unwilling to acknowledge it. She detailed instances of her father threatening and bullying her and her sister, as well as harassing their grandmother late at night while she was in poor health. Aoki also mentioned a disturbing incident when a man was sent to scare her sister at 2 a.m. Despite these allegations, Aoki expressed her concern for her father’s well-being, mentioning that he is not himself and needs help.
Following the public exchange of accusations, Russell Simmons issued an apology to his daughters. He expressed deep regret for his frustration and for yelling, assuring Aoki and Ming that he loves them unconditionally. In a recent birthday post dedicated to Aoki, he reiterated his love and support for her, telling her she is safe and has nothing to prove or live up to. Russell acknowledged that all is in perfect order and encouraged his daughter to prioritize her happiness. These messages of love and reconciliation demonstrate that Russell is attempting to mend their fractured relationship and be there for his daughters, despite the controversies surrounding him.
Notably absent from Aoki’s birthday celebration was her mother, Kimora Lee Simmons. As the family feuds and allegations of sexual misconduct against Russell Simmons continue to make headlines, it is unclear where Kimora stands in relation to these disputes. Her absence may signify her desire to maintain distance from the public drama surrounding her ex-husband and their children. While her presence would have added a layer of complexity to the event, Aoki seemed to embrace the support and love from her friends and sister.
Aside from Aoki’s birthday celebration, the Southampton Arts Center Gala boasted a lineup of well-known attendees. Billionaire John Paulson, art world figure David Mugrabi, fashion industry veteran Fern Mallis, and author Candace Bushnell were among the notable names present. The gala’s founding co-chair, Simone Levinson, was honored during the event. Broadway star Ariana DeBose showcased her talent by performing Stephen Sondheim’s “Everybody Says Don’t,” while Jessica Vosk captivated the audience with her rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” The duo closed their set with a memorable duet of Gene Wilder’s “Pure Imagination.” The night brought together a mix of philanthropy, art, and entertainment, creating an atmosphere of celebration and unity.
In an unexpected turn of events, some guests at the gala had a moment of excitement when an automatic lawn sprinkler near the bar suddenly went off. As water sprayed uncontrollably, quick-thinking organizers rushed to intervene, preventing any mishaps. The incident added an element of surprise and laughter to the event, leaving attendees with a memorable anecdote to share.
Aoki Lee’s 21st birthday celebration at the Southampton Arts Center Gala marked a turning point in her ongoing family feud with her father. Despite the challenges they have faced, Aoki chose to focus on celebrating her milestone birthday surrounded by loved ones. The event brought together a diverse group of friends and well-known figures from various industries, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity. While the absence of Kimora Lee Simmons was notable, Aoki embraced the support and love she received from those in attendance. The evening was not only a birthday celebration but also a showcase of art and entertainment, leaving guests with unforgettable memories. As Aoki moves forward into adulthood, it remains to be seen how her relationship with her father will develop and whether they can reconcile their differences.