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Gene Simmons Apologizes for Telling Depressed People to "Kill Yourself"
KISS member Gene Simmons has apologized for insensitive comments towards those suffering from addiction and depression. In an interview posted on Songfacts in July, which was widely circulated following the death of Robin Williams earlier this week, Simmons ranted about "drug addicts and alcoholics" who say, "the world is a harsh place."
KISS member Gene Simmons has apologized for insensitive comments towards those suffering from addiction and depression.
In an interview posted on Songfacts in July, which was widely circulated following the death of Robin Williams earlier this week, Simmons ranted about "drug addicts and alcoholics" who say, "the world is a harsh place."
"My mother was in a concentration camp in Nazi Germany," Simmons said in the interview. "I don't want to hear f--- all about 'the world as a harsh place.' She gets up every day, smells the roses and loves life. And for a putz, 20-year-old kid to say, 'I'm depressed, I live in Seattle.' F--- you, then kill yourself."
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Simmons took to Facebook Friday to clarify his remarks, explaining, "I was wrong and in the spur of the moment made remarks that in hindsight were made without regard for those who truly suffer the struggles of depression. I sincerely apologize to those who were offended by my comments. I recognize that depression is very serious and very sad when it happens to anyone, especially loved ones. I deeply support and am empathetic to anyone suffering from any disease, especially depression.
"I have never sugarcoated my feelings regarding drug use and alcoholics," he continued. "Somewhere along the line, my intention of speaking in very directly and perhaps politically incorrectly about drug use and alcoholics has been misconstrued as vile commentary on depression. Unkind statements about depression was certainly never my intention. Fully, you will know that and I do not intend to defend myself here and now, by listing the myriad charities and self-help organizations I am involved with. Rather, I simply want to be clear that my heart goes out to anyone suffering from depression and I deeply regret any offhand remarks in the heat of an interview that might have suggested otherwise."
What do you think of his apology?
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