American businesswoman and TV personality Kimora Lee Simmons has publicly discussed her significant role as a surrogate mother to the teenage twin daughters of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs.
A Mother's Role Beyond Her Own Children
The 50-year-old star, who recently returned to reality television, shared details about her expansive family during an appearance on Today With Jenna & Friends this past Wednesday. Simmons, already a mother of five biological and adopted children, explained she cares for many young people beyond her immediate household.
"I have my kids, and then I have kids on the side," Simmons stated. She listed a stepdaughter, a bonus son named Jaden who appears on her show, and another son who has been with her family for many years.
Honoring a Friend's Legacy
Her care specifically extends to the children of her late friend, Kim Porter, who tragically died from lobar pneumonia in 2018 at age 47. Porter shared 18-year-old twin daughters D’Lila and Jessie with Diddy, as well as a 26-year-old son, Christian, from their on-and-off relationship between 1994 and 2007.
"One of my friends who passed away, Kim Porter, I have all of her kids. Even though some of them are adults, some are 18, twins," Simmons revealed. When asked if the twins rely on her, she confirmed, "Yeah, they're with me. I just got off the phone with them. I'm a lot of people's mom."
How She Manages It All: The 'Girl Village'
Guest host Scarlett Johansson expressed amazement, questioning how Simmons handles such a large, blended family. Simmons credited a strong support system, emphasizing the African proverb that "it takes a village."
She described her network as a "village of women," including godmothers, aunties, and friends who provide mutual uplift and support. "I have a lot of help... it's really a girl village," she explained, highlighting the collective effort in raising the children.
Simmons' own children include Ming, 25, and Aoki, 21, with ex-husband Russell Simmons; Kenzo, 16, with Djimon Hounsou; Wolfe, 10, with ex-husband Tim Leissner; and her adopted son Gary, 16. Her revelation comes as Diddy is currently serving a prison sentence related to charges of transportation to engage in prostitution.
