Russell Simmons’ daughter Aoki Lee Simmons has decided to exit the modeling industry because her mind is being relentlessly ravaged by ruthless gatekeepers who claim she’s not pretty enough.
Exacerbating her dilemma is the fact that Simmons mentally shrinks every time she is negatively compared to her iconic mother and former model, Kimora Lee Simmons, which is often
“I think I’m wrapping up modeling soon,” the Simmons empire heir told her Instagram followers in a video. “It just feels like one big fat comparison all the time. Like, ok, I get that my mom is always going to be a way better model than me. It’s just annoying to have that comparison sometimes.”
It is apparent to observers that Simmons reached a breaking point with the constant rejections and callous criticisms. She had just taken a moratorium this past summer from modeling because of a traumatizing experience she will only describe as “dark AF.” She told her followers that she would not accept any work during “Fashion Week unless I’m mentally prepared for it and feel loved and supported. The last one ruined my mental health.”
Simmons — who graduated from Ivy League powerhouse Harvard University at 20 — said she will probably put that degree to use.
“I think I’m going to end up switching back to working in government, which is what my degree is in,” Simmons said, insinuating that politics is not as ruthless and bloodthirsty as the modeling industry, though some may disagree.
“It’s hard to go somewhere and get told over and over and over, ‘No, you’re not pretty enough, you’re not pretty enough, you’re not pretty enough,” Simmons continued as her voice cracked. “That’s not a fun time. I worked really hard at it, but it’s a hard industry. Like there’s a lot of beautiful great girls who are great models that don’t have a job.”
