Gene Simmons recently opened up about his colorful history during an interview on Howie Mandel Does Stuff, revealing intimate details about his past relationships and a personal moment of reckoning with his wife, Shannon Tweed.
When asked about long-standing rumors that he had been with 5,000 women, Simmons clarified, “I didn’t sleep with them,” but admitted to keeping meticulous records of his encounters, including names and photographs. “There were lists, books, and all that stuff. But I shamefully—or not—took photos of all of them,” Simmons shared.
In a surprising revelation, Simmons explained that he and Shannon decided to destroy these records. “We took all those big portfolios—there were lots—and we burned them together. Yep.” He added that the emotional process was especially hard on their children, Nick and Sophie. Reflecting on his past behavior, Simmons admitted, “If there would have been a king a—hole with a crown, it would have been yours truly.”
Controversy on Dancing With the Stars
Just days after his candid interview, Simmons made headlines for his appearance as a guest judge on Dancing With the Stars during ‘Hair Metal Night.’ His comments about actress Chandler Kinney caused a stir, as he remarked, “You’ve fogged up my glasses,” and later said, “It’s difficult to look at you and figure out which one is more hot, hot, hot.”
Simmons also faced criticism for giving contestants Phaedra Parks and Val Chmerkovskiy a score of five while other judges awarded sevens. The audience booed, and the contestants appeared confused, especially since Simmons didn’t offer negative feedback.
In response to the backlash, Simmons defended his remarks in an interview with Daily Mail, calling the criticism “clickbait.” He maintained his stance, saying, “The contestants were great. The show was great. Watch the show. It was a lot of fun.”
Thoughts on Beauty and Societal Standards
Simmons further addressed his views on beauty, linking it to societal norms like makeup and high heels. He doubled down on his unapologetic attitude, coining a new hashtag, #gof*ckyourself, which he claimed applies to everyone equally.
Despite the controversies, Simmons remains steadfast in his opinions, showing his characteristic boldness in the face of criticism. Whether it’s addressing his past or sparking debates on live TV, the rock icon continues to make waves