Gene Simmons Apologizes Over Depression Comments: ‘I Was Wrong’

The Kiss singer backtracks in the wake of public outrage after Robin Williams’ apparent suicide

Gene Simmons
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After getting in hot water for statements he made on the topic of depression, rocker Gene Simmons has backtracked his comments.

“I want to make this statement about my views on depression for the record and to clarify my prior remarks,” the Kiss singer posted to his Facebook. “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.”

Also read: KISS Bassist Gene Simmons Under Fire for Depression Comments: ‘F–k You, Then Kill Yourself’

In an article posted at the end of July, Simmons appeared to diminish the struggle of people who suffer from depression.

“My mother was in a concentration camp in Nazi Germany. I don’t want to hear fuck all about ‘the world as a harsh place.’ She gets up every day, smells the roses and loves life,” Simmons told SongFacts.com. “And for a putz, 20-year-old kid to say, ‘I’m depressed, I live in Seattle.’ Fuck you, then kill yourself.”

Also read: Kiss’s Gene Simmons Disses Ex-Bandmates, Michael Vick

But now, Simmons is changing his tune after his comments went viral in the wake of Robin Williams‘ death. “I sincerely apologize to those who were offended by my comments,” he said. “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.”

The controversy of Simmons’ remarks were far-reaching, with Australia’s Triple M radio network banning Kiss songs across the country, and challenging America to do the same. Motley Crue bassist and radio host Nikki Sixx also scolded Simmons on the air and on Twitter over the interview.

Also read: Robin Williams Had Parkinson’s Disease, Wife Says

Read Simmons’ full apology below:

I want to make this statement about my views on depression for the record and to clarify my prior remarks.

To the extent my comments reported by the media speak of depression, 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. 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.

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