Kimora Lee Simmons is making a move to streamline her identity — and it involves officially dropping the last names of two of her former husbands. According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, the entrepreneur and fashion mogul has filed paperwork to change her name from Kimora Lee Simmons-Leissner to simply Kimora Lee.

The reasoning behind the change, as stated in the filing, is for the "consolidation of records and names used in different documents." While it may seem like a minor legal adjustment, the decision carries symbolic weight given Kimora's high-profile relationships and public life. She first became widely known as Kimora Lee Simmons after marrying music mogul Russell Simmons in 1998. The couple divorced in 2009, but she retained his surname as part of her professional identity.

In 2014, she married Tim Leissner, a former Goldman Sachs banker, and at that point, she began using the hyphenated name Kimora Lee Simmons-Leissner. That marriage ended in separation in 2022, and now she's taking the step to simplify her name once again. Born Kimora Lee Perkins in St. Louis, Missouri, she has built a career and personal brand under a name that has evolved with her life's chapters — but it appears she's ready to move forward without the baggage of past surnames.

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ that Kimora has been "on her own foundation for decades," suggesting that this name change is less about erasing the past and more about reclaiming her individuality. If the court approves her request, it will mark her fourth legal name change, reflecting the many transformations she's undergone both personally and professionally.

At 49 years old, Kimora Lee Simmons has long been a fixture in the worlds of fashion, entertainment, and business. From her early days as a model to her role as the creative force behind the Baby Phat brand, her name has been synonymous with bold style and entrepreneurial success. This latest step could be seen as a symbolic shedding of old identities and a clear statement of independence.

Legal name changes, especially for public figures, often carry more than just administrative significance. They can signal new beginnings, personal growth, or a desire to control one's narrative. For Kimora, who has navigated the complexities of fame, marriage, and motherhood in the public eye, this move may represent a moment of clarity and self-definition. It's a reminder that even for those who live much of their lives in the spotlight, the right to define oneself remains a deeply personal act.

As she moves forward with this legal process, fans and followers will likely watch to see how this change is reflected in her public persona and professional branding. Whether it's on a clothing tag, a social media profile, or a business card, the name Kimora Lee may soon stand on its own — a testament to a woman who has always known how to reinvent herself on her own terms.

Scorpion Journal Analysis

At Scorpion Journal, we see Kimora Lee Simmons' decision to simplify her name as more than just a legal formality — it's a powerful statement of self-ownership. In an industry where women, especially women of color, are often defined by their relationships to men, Kimora's move to reclaim her name is a bold assertion of independence. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated resilience and reinvention, and this latest step fits that pattern. It's not about erasing her past, but about choosing which parts of her story she wants to carry forward. In our view, this is a moment of empowerment that resonates far beyond the courtroom or the fashion runway.

Source: https://www.tmz.com/2026/03/02/kimora-lee-simmons-wants-russell-last-name-dropped/