Kimora Lee Simmons and Djimon Hounsou Separate: Fashion Model and Actor Split after Over Five Years of Dating, Remain Close for Son

According to reports, fashion model Kimora Lee Simmons and actor Djimon Hounsou have officially separated after over five years of dating. 37-year-old Simmons told fans on Twitter that her and the "Amistad" star split some time ago, but that they still get along and remain close friends and co-parents to their three-year-old son, Kenzo Lee Hounsou.

Hounsou's rep tells People magazine, "Djimon Hounsou and Kimora Lee Simmons have officially separated after 5½ years. Though they never married, they have one child together, Kenzo Lee Hounsou, who is 3½ years old."

The president and creative director of JustFab also recently confirmed the separation rumors on Twitter, posting on Wednesday:

@OfficialKimora: "There have been quite a few hurtful rumors circulating. The truth is Djimon+I have been separated for some time. We have remained happy, loving, co-parenting friends+family. We all have much to be thankful for. #HappyThanksgiving."

One user responded to the news with a rather harsh tweet:

@Micky_mouse1: "@OfficialKimora oh dear its so sad whn people look up 2 u this is the worst thing 2 happen makes us think "marriage" means nothing 2day."

Simmons (who was never actually married to Hounsou) responded back with:

@OfficialKimora: "Quite the opposite. It means I am like u. We all go they things. We do the best we can. W our heads #UP."

Simmons, who officially separated from ex-hubby Russell Simmons in March 2006, started dating Hounsou in 2007 (although her divorce from Simmons wasn't finalaized until January 2009). The model once said that the couple was "kind of" engaged, but nothing came of it. The duo has one child together, and Simmons also has two young daughters with her ex-husband.

Simmons said in a Harper's Bazaar interview a few years ago - "I have a lot of hang-ups in life with men. I'm not very trusting.  After my breakup [with Russell], I thought, I don't need anything. But now I have someone who has the heart, the soul, and the hotness. When you're not looking, that's when it happens."

Hounsou also told the magazine about Simmons at-the-time, "My first impression has always been the same, that she's a very beautiful lady, very capable and intelligent and smart with great family values. She's the least high-maintenance lady I've ever dated."