KISS bassist Gene Simmons who recently made some controversial comments about depression and suicide, has posted the following message on his Facebook page:
“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.”
Simmons has received criticism for his comments from Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx, who described the KISS frontman’s statements as “moronic”.
99 Responses
You know, it’s really this simple.
If people are willing to accept apologies from Ace, Peter…or whoever has screwed the pooch for various things from drugs, words, putting other people in danger or any number of actions…then you must accept Gene’s apology.
If you can’t, then your nothing more than a hypocrite. And yes, it’s that simple.
Gene’s wigs get me depressed.
As the resident female, I found it very interesting that this story even made it to Celebitchy. Celebitchy is a celebrity gossip site, hence the name, that has a large female following.
It was interesting to read some of the comments and POV’s over there. If anyone is interested, the link is: http://www.celebitchy.com/382004/gene_simmons_apologizes_for_telling_depressed_people_to_go_die_sincere/#comments
Dana from ET.com 🙂
I read some of the comments Dana. Again, everyone taking this whole thing out of context. As ridiculous as his statements were, everyone is missing his intent, which is NOT about condoning suicide. I believe your first post on this story was a good and insightful analysis–but these people (in the link) are simply joining the bashathon. It wouldn’t surprise me if most of them have made similar statements in their lifetime. Remember–let the one who hasn’t sinned be the first to throw the stone.
Dana,
Here’s my concern–If we continue treating people this way for their views, we will only achieve one thing–they will stop sharing their views from fear of this type of scenario. Consequently, we won’t know what we’re dealing with. I’m not saying we should tolerate something detestable that hurts people. I’m saying that a lot goes on in people’s minds and they will harbor it instead of sharing it and we won’t learn anything. It will fester and become worse! I have an aunt with the same attitude about depression as Gene. I think her attitude sucks! But, at least I know where she stands. How many of us truly know the people in our lives? Some of them hide what they feel because of this kind of example with someone like Gene.
Mike B,
I think the main issue is that some words have consequences. Therefore, when one formulates them, especially a public figure who has many followers, one should be a bit more measured in how he chooses to deliver his point. Ever hear the famous Shakespeare saying “kill the messenger?”
Again, had Gene made his point in a different way, I really don’t think this would have been so blown out proportion. Perhaps, this taught him a good lesson and he will think twice the next time he opens his mouth. Unless, he does this for shock value, and then all bets are off the table.
D 🙂
Dana,
I agree with everything you just said. I have no problem with that.
dana, I see your plan. you’re trying to hook us kiss posters on to another site so you can create a new wave of posters who serve no purpose other than having multiple aliases and typing in this box….. well your brilliant plan won’t work! bwah , hah, hah……!!!!!
sincerely,
,
anononymous
I had to put this quote in, someone said this on that site:” I have learned that whenever anyone blames “political correctness” for a backlash against a statement, that the controversial statement usually reflects the person’s views accurately.” Say what? that doesn’t make ANY SENSE…lol….that is such a far fetched theory that it’s so crazy people will believe it.