Russell Simmons is suing his ex-wife Kimora Lee Simmons for stealing his shares of an investment in an energy drink called Celsius — to bail her husband out of jail.
MTO News learned that Kimora allegedly used the stolen funds to pay for her husband’s legal fees, which were used as collateral for a bond connected to federal charges against her husband, Tim Leissner. Simmons says Kimora “knew full well that Leissner would need tens of millions of dollars [$44M] to avoid jail time, stay out on bail, and forfeit monies for victim compensation.”
Simmons claims Kimora used the shares from the energy drink company without his consent and unlawfully. He says his accountant spotted the mysterious charges.
RUSSELL SIMMONS DENIES SEXUAL ASSAULT CLAIMS
Leissner pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act back in 2018. He was charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. He faces 25 years in prison if found guilty.
This lawsuit filed by Russell will not look good for his ongoing case.
“I am shocked and saddened to see how your side has behaved in response to my repeated attempts to get an agreement from you to rightfully and legally reaffirm my 50% of the Celsius shares…which have been locked up with the government after being used for your husband’s bail money,” the lawsuit reads.
The lawsuit comes as a shock as Kimora stood by Russell when more than a dozen women stepped forward and accused him of sexual assault and rape. He fled to Bali to evade legal action. Many of his accusers still want justice.
Russell is seeking damages for an equal value of the shares and interest,” to get the important family matter of the Celsius shares to a close so that we can put it behind us and carry on as the loving united front we have always been.”
