Gene Simmons, known for his contributions to the iconic ’70s band Kiss, seems to be hitting “rock” bottom. The glam-metal bassist/vocalist has been recently involved in several legal cases. Back in 2015, his house was investigated by the LAPD. Although the investigation showed no signs of wrongdoings, Simmons did not stay out of the media for long. This past summer, the performer received backlash for his attempt to trademark the “devil’s horn” hand symbol. Simmons was cited for his attempt to take ownership at a symbol that he in fact did not create and over the fact that the symbol should remain public domain regardless of who first used it.
A few months later in November, “The Demon” was banned from Fox News. The singer went on the show to promote his book, On Power. While he was there though, he allegedly made unsuitable comments and exhibited inappropriate behavior. Now, allegations are being released from an on-air radio personality from another news corporation. Simmons visited an undisclosed radio station on November 1st to talk about his restaurant, Rock & Brews, which he co-owns with bandmate, Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar). During the interview, Simmons allegedly grabbed the woman’s hand and placed it on his knee, made sexual innuendos, flicked her in the throat and placed his hands on her butt while they took a promotional photos together.
The woman involved has chosen to remain anonymous as “Jane Doe,” during the lawsuit process. She is suing Simmons on sexual battery charges with Los Angeles County Superior Court. According to her attorney, Willie W. Williams, she has explained that, “She filed suit because she wanted to make a strong statement that this behavior is unacceptable and she wants to see an end to this type of behavior.”
According to Pitchfork, Simmons denied the allegations. His representative shared his statement with the magazine: “Friends, I intend to defend myself against any alleged charges you may have been reading about in the media. For the record, I did not assault the person making these accusations in the manner alleged in the complaint or harm her in any way. I am conferring with my lawyers with the aim of vigorously countering these allegations. And, I look forward to my day in court where the evidence will prove my innocence.”
Photo Credit: Gary Moratz