Gene Simmons Issues Statement of Apology For Depression Comments

Gene Simmons has been in hot water all week because of his insensitive comments about depression. His comments were so harsh, KISS music has actually been banned by an Australian radio group. For thos...
Gene Simmons Issues Statement of Apology For Depression Comments
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  • Gene Simmons has been in hot water all week because of his insensitive comments about depression. His comments were so harsh, KISS music has actually been banned by an Australian radio group.

    For those who missed it, last week the KISS rock-star recently shared his opinion of depression and drug abuse during an interview, reports Anti-Music.

    When the 65-year-old singer-songwriter was asked whether or not he still had a relationship with the original members of the legendary hard-rock band, he had no reservations about sharing his honest opinion. His response is what led to the discussion about depression. Needless to say, his comments weren’t taken lightly. So, he opted to offer some clarity about his remarks.

    On Friday, August 15 the Family Jewels reality TV star took to the KISS’ official Facebook page with a statement of apology.

    “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.”

    He went on to explain how his comments were taken out of context by the media.

    “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,” Simmons wrote.

    “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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