Kimora Lee Simmons talks “Real Housewives” rumors, World Smile Day
By Cassie Hager
Kimora Lee Simmons has been gracing television screens for decades. As a model and founder of the clothing line Baby Phat – she’s celebrated as one of the most successful female American entrepreneurs of the 21st century. Following a well-received stint on reality shows Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane and Kimora: House of Fab, Kimora Lee Simmons took a break from the limelight, but she certainly hasn’t slowed down. Culturess talked with her about her role as ambassador for Smile Train; the special day that’s close to her heart; and those pesky Real Housewives rumors.
Culturess: Hello, Kimora! Thanks so much for talking with us today. We’ve got a couple of different things to cover. First up: you’re what’s known as a “Smile Ambassador” for the nonprofit Smile Train. Tell us what that means.
Kimora: World Smile Day is October 7, and it was created in conjunction with Smile Train as a reminder to smile and be happy. It’s just a day to spread love and happiness all around, and Smile Train does that by providing essential surgeries to children born with a cleft palate. Sometimes they can’t eat, swallow or speak – so these surgeries really help them and bring beautiful smiles to their faces, and to the faces of their families.
Culturess: What inspired you to get involved with Smile Train? Why is it so important to you?
Kimora: Well, I’m a single mom of five kids. Like a lot of moms, children are the most important thing to me. When I look at my kids and they’re smiling and their faces light up and they’re happy… It brings a smile to my face. We really live through and for our children, so this provides them with these free surgeries, and it is transformative. Kids will go from being bullied to being embraced. They will go from being ashamed about their appearance to being excited about life and being able to put their best foot forward.
Culturess: What can we all do to get involved with this cool initiative?
Kimora: You can visit smiletrain.org/wsd2022. You can support the work we do there, but also you can just give someone a smile. Just receiving and giving a smile or a word of kindness is so important at a time like this.
Culturess: It’s really cool seeing you get involved in something like this, but your fans really miss seeing you on TV! We used to see you all the time. That made us smile.
Kimora: I know! I miss them too. Maybe one day I’ll be back. I tried to go undercover for a while.
Culturess: So, no news on the rumors you’re joining the Real Housewives franchise?
Kimora: *laughs* No, no world at all! I haven’t even spoken to them. I love them, and I love all the girls. I know Andy (Cohen). They call me and my representatives and ask all the time for me to be a part of the show. But I’ve never actually talked to them, and I’m not in talks with them. I don’t know where that came from! It’s not to say that I would never do it. I love all those girls, but I hear that they bicker and do all these crazy things. I’m just over here trying to focus on Smile Train. Nothing is true yet. I promise!
Culturess: Just letting you know the people miss you!
Kimora: Everybody says that. Thank you so much. I will return one day. Somehow, some way!
Culturess: Anything else you want to add about Smile Train?
Kimora: I just want everyone to remember that October 7 is World Smile Day. On behalf of myself and all of the millions of kids around the world, thank you so much!