Angela Simmons has shown remorse for bringing a gun-shaped bag as an accessory to the 2024 BET Awards.
Simmons, 36, who dates rapper and music mogul Yo Gotti, flashed her uniquely designed crystal-sequined purse on the awards show carpet, which caught backlash on social media. Some referenced the 2018 fatal shooting of her ex-fiancé Sutton Tennyson, who's also the father of Simmons' 6-year-old son, Sutton Joseph.
Simmons shared a written apology on Instagram, just two days after explaining her reasons for wearing the bag in a video. At the time, she excused the accessory as being "cool" and a "fashion moment."
"When I chose the purse, I believed it was cute and unique, and I made a poor decision in using it as an accessory to amplify my beauty," Simmons wrote. "I deeply regret that this item which symbolizes a gun, was inappropriate and insensitive, especially given my personal and community experiences with gun violence."
Simmons, who's the second eldest daughter of Joseph 'Rev Run' Simmons, added that she understood the "the pain and the hurt" that some felt at the sight of her bag, particularly those who've been "directly impacted by gun violence." Stressing that she's seen the devestating effects of gun violence in her Southeast Queens community, Simmons shared her anti-gun violence advocacy through her organization, Angela's Angels, that has "always been about making peace a lifestyle."
"Gun violence is a disease that has taken too many lives, particularly among young people and Black men. By carrying this purse, I did not intend to promote gun violence in any way," Simmons continued. "It was a mistake that does not define who I am or my commitment to ending gun violence."
The statement concluded, "I ask for your understanding and forgiveness and hope you can accept my sincere apology. While this incident was a misstep, I will not allow it to define my moral compass or my commitment to promoting peace and ending gun violence."
