Aoki Lee Simmons, the daughter of Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons, has made headlines with her decision to relocate to Bali, Indonesia.
In a candid Instagram story, the 23-year-old Harvard graduate and model shared her thoughts on why she has chosen to embrace life on the island.
“Move back to the US, this move back to the US that. I get to wear a backless sundress every single day & I never have to wear shoes, the answer is no.”
Despite her reluctance to return to the United States, Aoki reassured her followers, saying, “But I miss you all!”
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Her Instagram is a vibrant showcase of her life in Bali, filled with posts that capture the essence of island living.
She shares snippets of her daily experiences, including her love for nature, as seen in her posts like “living in the trees 🥰🌿” and “eternal summer🌺📀🌞🤎.”
Aoki’s life revolves around recharging and engaging in activities that promote wellness. She enjoys surfing, going to the gym, focusing on her mental health, exploring spirituality, and even learning the art of tea making.
In the premiere episode of Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane, Aoki discussed her motivations for moving to Bali.
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She initially relocated for a gap year to recharge after her rigorous studies at Harvard.
“I’ve been working since I was 16. I needed to have a break. I thought, why don’t I just take a gap year in Bali? My family was surprised when I went to Bali, but I was already living in New York. Functionally, it’s the same.
“My mum can be very persuasive, but I wasn’t in the mood to be talked out of it. I try to practice my independence. You know, I’m an adult,” she explained.
While some social media users speculate about Aoki spending time with her father, Russell Simmons, who has been visiting Bali since 2018 after allegations of sexual assault were levelled against him, her family remains supportive of her decision.
Although Kimora has expressed her concerns about Aoki’s move, her sister, Ming Lee Simmons, believes that Bali has been beneficial for Aoki.
“My sister thrives when she is in Bali, and she has grown so much. That’s truly where she belongs right now. It is really sad that she is going back,” Ming stated.