Gene Simmons Worries About "Collateral Damage" of #MeToo Movement

Gene Simmons Responds to #MeToo Movement

Gene Simmons is voicing his concerns about the #MeToo and Times Up movements and the presumption of guilt that comes with every new accusation.

The movements began in the fallout of the Harvey Weinstein scandal as thousands of women have come forward with tales of harassment and sexual misconduct they have had to endure in the workplace. 

Simmons told the Toronto Sun in a recent interview that he applauds the conversation, and the reckoning for people who have abused their power. But he says people have to be wary of the mob mentality.

"I think it's wonderful for women to be engaged in the conversation and the positive side is there have been a lot of bad guys who have gotten away with it [and aren't anymore] — that's a good thing," Simmons said.

But "The collateral damage is heinous because anybody can say anything and there's no presumption of innocence," he added. "The problem is you don't have your day in court."

Simmons himself has been accused of misconduct by several women, he was even sued for an incident that happened just days after the debacle in which the KISS bassist was banned for life from Fox News

The incidents led to the Friars' Club canceling a planned roast of the rocker. 

"As soon as somebody cries and the mascara runs, the guy's life is ruined and it's over," Simmons told the Toronto Sun. "He may be guilty or he may be innocent but what happened to our justice system? You'll make more money. You'll embarrass him every day. Instead of in a news conference which gets you no money. I'm totally in support of anything and everything that follows the rule of law. Get a lawyer. Do it legitimately."

Simmons initially apologized for the Fox News incident, saying he was "sincerely sorry" to have offended employees there.

He later insisted he "did nothing" to warrant the ban from the network, saying someone there "had the goods in for" him and exaggerated their story in the press to make him look bad. 

During his year off from KISS, the bassist has released a new book, titled On Power, with plans to release another one this year, titled 27

He's also just accepted a position as "Chief Evangelist Officer" at Canadian cannabis company, Invictus.

Simmons has also been playing gigs with his solo band and delivering his Vault box set to fans around the world. 

Keep up with him here


Photo: Getty Images


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