(Photo: Valerie Macon/Getty Images)

Well, Kimora Lee Simmons certainly knows how to keep it in the family. Rumor has it that the entrepreneur and reality star, who recently split from her man Djimon Hounsou, is dating financier Marc Leder.

Leder, founder of investment firm Sun Capital Partners, bought Kimora’s companies Phat Farm and Baby Phat back in 2008. But the colleagues were spotted looking not-so-professional in St. Bart’s over the holidays. Page Six reports Kimora spent a lot of her vacation “cavorting” with Leder, so much so that news was spreading on the posh island that the pair were dating.

A rep for Kimora confirms that the pair have been “friends and business associates for many years,” but stayed tight-lipped on whether they’ve taken their relationship to the next level.

And why shouldn’t Kimora have her cake? After a public split with her baby daddy Hounsou, she’s looking runway-ready and better than ever. Clearly there’s been no post-breakup pints of Ben & Jerry’s for Kimmy. We say dating Leder is the best way to put her single status and her career savvy to good use.

Side Note: Guess who was also on St. Bart’s over the holidays? Kimora’s ex-husband Russell Simmons! The former couple continue to show us how it’s done by staying close knit and drama-free. Kimora even spent some bonding time sunbathing with Russell’s new squeeze, Hana Nitsche.

(Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Yesterday the internet was abuzz with rumors that Kimora Lee Simmons and her man Djimon Hounsou were headed for a split, and today, Kimora’s ex Russell Simmons has taken to his blog to defend the mother of his children.

The hip hop mega mogul wrote on GlobalGrind.com that the notion of Kimora and Djimon fighting over his money is completely false, and chastised the New York Daily News for spreading the rumor.

“I called Kimora when I saw all the gossip spreading about her and Djimon splitting and she said it was a waste of energy to comment,” Russell’s post began. “I’ll certainly do it for her and my family.”

He then went on to point-by-point set the record straight about Kimora’s relationship and financial status:

1. Kimora and Djimon are fine.

2. Kimora and Djimon are both doing extremely well in their respective endeavors and businesses and don’t need to fight over or waste energy on money issues.

3. I damn sure don’t pay nor have I ever paid alimony (Kimora does just fine). In no way do I support their lifestyle, so please don’t say they are fighting over MY money.

4. Yes she’s selling a house, but she hasn’t lived in it for several years since she built the house they currently reside in.

5. As for friction between us? There is none. I feel like I’m part of their family. Djimon and Kenzo are like my blood and Kimora is my best friend. We are partners in various businesses and in the really important business of raising our beautiful children.

Those paranoid types who are prone to believe conspiracy theories (or anyone who salivates at the thought of Kimora’s downfall) would be quick to point out that “Kimora and Djimon are fine” is not the same as “Kimora and Djimon are not splitting up,” but we are not that type. In fact, believe it or not, we would be sad to see the demise of this odd-yet-functional family unit. Kooky as they are, they make it work. And given what some other exes put their children through, we respect that they stick together.

Considering some of us think we deserve a medal for simply resisting the urge to set fire to our exes boxer briefs, Russell and Kimora’s (and Djimon’s, for that matter) amicable relationship at least deserves the benefit of the doubt.

You can add another name to the growing list of celebrities fawning over Nicki Minaj.

Speaking to hip-hop site SOHH.com, mogul Kimora Lee Simmons discussed her affinity for the platinum female rap star.

Kimora says she loves Nicki for her individuality and what she’s bringing to both music and fashion.

Via SOHH:

“I think she’s a great girl and really beautiful,” Kimora told SOHH. “And I think Nicki Minaj is really sexy. I also think it’s amazing what she’s doing for music and fashion right now. I really see her as an amazing girl and I love everything that she’s doing with the fashion in particular. I love what she’s doing with the fashion because I like for people to be individuals and have their own take on things. So I kind of embrace individuality and that’s what I love the most about her.”

Check out the video below of Nicki Minaj saying hello to a Kimora Lee Simmons doll!

Source

Kimora Lee Simmons and her handsome newborn son, Kenzo, grace the cover of Baby Couture magazine.

In it, the model turned mogul discusses the new baby and how her kids have adjusted to their growing family.

Kimora explains to BC mag, “I’ve grown as a person, so some things are different. Having a son was a twist, but of course I’m happy and loving it.”

A third kid makes for an even larger more load for Kimora, although the Baby Phat CEO notes her frequently hectic schedule is “always fulfilling.”

As for how her daughters, Ming and Aoki, have adjusted, she says, “They’re very nurturing and have been gung-ho about welcoming Kenzo to our family. They’re very protective and love to watch him explore and discover the world.”

As for her new husband – Djimon Hounsou– many were unsure as to whether or not their commencement ceremony was legally binding.

Simmons spoke with Fox411.com and had this to say:

“It’s whatever people call it, but that’s as official as it gets for me. I was wearing white. There were rings and cakes and flowers and people crying. That’s as good as it gets for me. I don’t need anything extra.”

Kimora also took the time to write a heartfelt blog in memory of Aiyana Jones, the 7-year-old girl who was shot and killed in her sleep during a police raid. Kimora is joining others who have called into a federal investigation into Jones’ death.

She said while she does not consider the officer who killed Jones a “monster,” she did note:

“We have militarized our police force, and in doing so, created a war between those who are suppose to protect AND serve our communities with the men, women and children that live in them! We break down doors in our own neighborhoods, the way we break down doors in Baghdad or Kabul. We treat our very own citizens as if they are on the other side. We have lost the connection we once had with our police force. We are afraid of them and they are afraid of us!”

Source: 1, 2, 3

 Look who’s posing for her first photo shoot! It’s Christina Milian and The Dream’s baby daughter Violet who made her debut posing in this week’s US Weekly magazine. “She’s got a lot of personality!” Christina told US Weekly of her bundle of joy, born February 26th.  Doesn’t the baby look like Terrius’ mini-me? Daddy’s little girl for sure!  Christina says, “She has my lips, and her father’s eyes.”

Jill Scottand her 9-month-old tot Jett Hamilton Roberts appear in the May issue of Essence. Jill opens up about “the difficult road that led her to single motherhood, the sister circle that helps her get by, and the perfect life she enjoys today” in the article.

Meanwhile Kimora and her 10-month-old son Kenzo cover Baby Couture magazine. Isn’t he getting big!?

And congratulations are in order for Paula Patton and Robin Thicke who welcomed their first child, Julian Fuego, on Tuesday. No picture of this newborn yet, but if he looks anything like his parents he’ll surely be a cutie!

Say it with me now: Awwwwww!

Months ago, it was reported that Russell Simmons was going to make $40,000 a month in child support payments to ex-wife, Kimora Lee Simmons.

Soon after many women started trying to plan out ways to get knocked up by someone as rich as Russell. Likewise, some men started throwing shade either because they couldn’t get pregnant themselves, or they know what it’s like to cough up a small fortune in diaper and Happy Meal money.

However, Kimora would like us to know that reports of her getting a luxury car a month in child support each month is false.

She told Page Six:

Asked about reports that Russell generously gives her $40,000 a month in child support for their two daughters, Kimora snapped, “I hate that. He has such a big mouth. It drives me crazy, and it makes me want to thump him in the side of his head . . . It’s not accurate.”

So she doesn’t get that much a month, but I bet she still gets enough to afford 12 Accords or Camrys a year.
Source

This year celebrities dressed up as superheroes, trannies, caricatures of themselves (this means you, Coco) and whatever it is LaToya Jackson is supposed to be.

Here’a a recap of the best celebrity costumes:

Beyonce

Jay-Z

Rihanna and Coco

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama

Jordin Sparks and Steph Jones

Teyana Taylor

Lance Gross and Eva Pigford

LaToya Jackson

Aubrey O’Day

Kimora Lee Simmons and Djimon Hounsou

Heidi Klum and Seal

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon

The drama is already heating up on the second season Real Housewife of Atlanta but off screen there may be much more to the story than it seems.  Kim Zolciak is saying NeNe Leakes choked her not once, but twice during their now infamous confrontation. Kim alleges that right before taping a scene for the show in April, her and NeNe got into a huge argument and NeNe began to strangle her. 

Kim claims she was choked so hard that she lost her breath and couldn’t sleep for weeks. She filed a police report against NeNe back  when the argument happened, but said she wasn’t planning on talking to press about the ordeal until now.  Apparently she now feels like she has to speak on it because NeNe is claiming it never happened (let the cameras tell it).  Kim is back in talks with her lawyers and considering pressing charges.  Now NeNe does look like she might reach for someone but Kim has done her share of conniving on the show so it’s hard to know who to believe.  All I know it’s going to be a long season in Atlanta! These grown women are crazy!

We’ll end the week on a brighter note:  

 Golden Brooks was spotted at A Pea in the Pod launch party for the Nicole Richie maternity collection in Beverly Hills (Side Note: I can’t help but think that if they actually continued taping Girlfriends, Golden’s pregnancy might’ve given them a good excuse to create a story line where her character ”Maya” finally got the baby that she and “Darnell” were trying for. No, I still can’t get over the fact that the show got cancelled without a finale!). Brooks is pregnant with her first child with her boyfriend D.B. Woodside who is largely known for his role in the drama 24 as the President’s brother.  The couple is expecting in September. How sweet!

In other baby news:  OK! magazine ran exclusive photos of Kimora Lee Simmons and Djimon Hounsou’s first child together, Kenzo Lee.  “I never thought it could be this good,” the Baby Phat CEO told the magazine.  Click here  to see pictures of the little bundle of joy. He’s a cutie!

SOURCE

It’s real in these streets for celebrity fashion lines! Last month Jennifer Lopez’s clothing line Sweetface went bankrupt and now Kimora Lee Simmon’s line Baby Phat might be headed for the same fate.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Kellwood Co. – an apparel manufacturer who’s brand’s include Baby Phat, Fabulosity, Phat Farm, Vince, and Xoxo, among others – may have to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy if they can’t come up with the money to pay a $140 million bond issue by Wednesday. Kellwood has over $500 million in debt and $800 million in annual sales and according to the report “the twin effects of a heavy debt load and a sharp drop in consumer spending have crushed the company’s financial results.”

Russell Simmons launched Phat Farm clothing in 1992, while his, then wife, model/designer Kimora Lee Simmons, started Baby Phat in 1999. Russell sold Phat Farm and Baby Phat to Kellwood in 2004 for $142 million in cash plus performance incentives (at least he cashed out before the hard times hit!) though Kimora retained her position as “principal creative arbiter” for Baby Phat.

So if it all falls down Kimora (and some 2,000 employees that Kellwood employs) might be out of a job and we may see the end of Baby Phat clothing. You mad?

SOURCE