Angela Simmons has responded to the backlash. The US reality TV star, Angela Simmons apologizes for bringing gun-shaped clutch to the BET Awards after weapon-inspired accessory sparked backlash: ‘I thought it was a fashion moment’
Daughter of Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons from Run DMC, brought an emerald, diamante-covered clutch resembling a pistol to the awards ceremony on June 30th. She was wearing a sparkling emerald green dress with sparkly high heels. To top things off, she wore a green clutch resembling a handgun, that she had fun pointing people with on the red carpet. After fans quickly came after Angela for her purse choice, she later explained why she chose the bag, saying in a video that she’s not like that.”
Fans quickly criticized the 36-year-old growing up Hip Hop star for her fashion choice and symbolic implications. Some accused her of glamorizing gun violence after she posed with the purse pointed at the camera on the red carpet.
Acknowledging the backlash, Simmons issued an apology on Instagram on July 2nd, admitting she initially found the purse’s design “cute and unique” but now realizes it was a “poor decision” to use it as a fashion statement.
“I deeply regret that carrying a purse shaped like a gun was inappropriate and insensitive, especially considering my personal experiences with gun violence,” she said. “I understand the pain this may have caused, especially to those affected directly by gun violence.”
The reality TV personality said she is not a “violent” person and brought up her family’s history of gun violence after fans questioned her choices.
Angela Simmons is coming out in defense of her fashion accessory for the 2024 BET Awards after fans criticized her for carrying a gun-shaped purse. She stepped out on the red carpet for the BET Awards on Sunday alone and reunited with her boyfriend Yo Gotti inside.
Simmons also highlighted her efforts against gun violence, referencing her collaboration with activist Erica Ford to launch community programs.
“To anyone hurt or offended by my actions, I offer my sincerest apologies,” Simmons concluded.
Simmons, now dating rapper Yo Gotti, has previously shared the emotional challenge of explaining her late partner’s death to their young son.
“Angela Simmons does cringey s— every time there’s a photographer around. She’s so awkward, one fan said about her.
“You know what’s weird about Angela Simmons’s gun purse….is her baby daddy died by getting shot,” another fan shared.
“I’d like to know the motive for Angela Simmons’s outfit because maybe there was something deeper to it,” one fan said, giving her the benefit of the doubt.
