Russell Simons repairs relationship with daughter Aoki in Bali
Reunited! Did Russell Simmons Repair His Relationshion With His Daughter Aoki?
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty
2025 might just be the year of healing. Russell Simmons, the hip-hop pioneer turned yogi, has always been a man of reinvention. But his latest chapter—a spiritual journey in Bali—has taken a turn we didn’t see coming. After a highly publicized fallout with his daughters, Ming and Aoki Lee Simmons, it seems the family might be mending their relationship, with yoga and mindfulness as the unlikely mediators.
Recently, Russell shared a reel on Instagram of his youngest daughter, Aoki, diving into yoga practice. The video, seemingly shot in Bali, features serene landscapes, meditative poses, and a heartfelt caption that struck a chord.
“Seeing Aoki practice often brings me to tears. I’m so proud of her; she’s a much better version of me,” Russell wrote, adding a glimpse into their newfound bond. For over six weeks, the father-daughter duo has been meditating together, attending kirtan sessions (a form of devotional singing), and embracing yogic teachings.
“I can remember asking Aoki and Ming to read and review my books on yogic science. The girls and I would meditate every morning before I took them to school. I was so adamant about these devotional books and practices that I knew I ran the risk of pushing them away,” he confessed. “But God has a way with His students… seeing Aoki practice often brings me to tears.”
It didn’t start with Yoga, Looks like they spent the holidays together. “MERRY CHRISTMAS to all 
For the last month i have been so blessed to have my brilliant loving and amazing daughter here ….there is no greater gift to a dad then his daughter i can honestly tell you that this is the best christmas any father could ever have .//this year (even more then last year ) my plan is to obediant to God God is so good 
//// @aokileesimmons being here meditating practicing yoga daily eating healthy and out of the toxins of nyc is by far the greatest gift i could ever have ”
This touching news is a far cry from the strained relationship that played out publicly last year when Aoki accused her father of verbal abuse and manipulation.
In June 2023, the Simmons family feud exploded across social media. Aoki accused Russell of threatening family members, harassing her grandmother, and creating a toxic environment. Meanwhile, her sister Ming Lee skipped a Father’s Day tribute for Russell, opting instead to honor their mother, Kimora Lee Simmons, sparking cryptic Instagram posts from Russell blaming Kimora for the estrangement.
“I’m not well, for years,” Aoki wrote in now-deleted posts. “He lashes out at ANYONE who does not say, ‘Ooh, Russell, everything is fine.’”
Kimora, never one to mince words, defended her daughters, calling out her ex-husband’s alleged behavior while subtly referencing his past sexual misconduct allegations. The drama painted a picture of a fractured family struggling to reconcile.
But as the dust settled, it seems that Aoki and Russell may have found a path forward. And that path, unsurprisingly for Russell, is paved with yoga mats and mindfulness mantras.
In Russell’s Instagram post, he credited Aoki with embracing the yogic principles he holds dear. “All the books were about yoga and consciousness, the reports they wrote were very thoughtful. Yogis say that all the study means nothing without effort. Well, for over six weeks we have practiced daily, sometimes twice a day… and we have been in the company of devotional beings who exude happiness,” he wrote.
Russell’s pride in Aoki’s growth and commitment is palpable, and the post feels like an olive branch, signaling that despite the turbulence of the past, there’s hope for healing.
Beyond the yoga poses and Bali sunsets, this story is a testament to the enduring bond between fathers and daughters. Public figures often air their grievances for the world to see, but rarely do we witness the quiet, personal work of reconciliation.
For Aoki, stepping into her father’s spiritual world may be a sign of forgiveness—or at least an effort to move forward. For Russell, it’s a chance to be present in his daughter’s life in a way that reflects the principles he’s built his post-Def Jam existence around: mindfulness, love, and effort.
Russell Simmons’ recent post is more than just a glimpse into his Bali life; it’s a reminder that relationships, no matter how fractured, can find their way back to center. Whether through yoga, conversation, or simply showing up, the journey to healing is always worth it.
No matter how old she gets, every girl needs her father. And for Aoki and Russell, it seems they’re finally finding their rhythm. As Russell himself might say, the science of happiness is all about effort—and it looks like both father and daughter are putting in the work.
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Reunited! Did Russell Simmons Repair His Relationshion With His Daughter Aoki? was originally published on ronemorninghustle.staging.go.ione.nyc