Gene Simmons of Kiss In Hot Water With New Lawsuit
Kiss co-founder Gene Simmons is not taking a charge of sexual battery and gender violence lying down.
In the wake of the lawsuit, in which a radio personality, who’s remaining anonymous, groped her, Simmons issued a statement that,
“I intend to defend myself against any alleged charges you may have been reading about in the media. For the record, I did not assault the person making these accusations in the manner alleged in the complaint or harm her in any way. I am conferring with my lawyers with the aim of vigorously countering these allegations. And, I look forward to my day in court where the evidence will prove my innocence.”
The suit alleges that during an interview at Simmons’ Rock & Brews restaurant in San Bernardino, Calif., Simmons “forcibly placed” the interviewer’s hand on his knee, commented on how soft her hand was and “flicked” her throat, while during a group photo he touched her rear end.
Her attorney, Willie W. Williams, said that,
“My client is embarrassed and humiliated by the incident with Mr. Simmons. She filed suit because she wanted to make a strong statement that this behavior is unacceptable and she wants to see an end to this type of behavior.”
Last month two other women, actress Mary E. McGlynn and comedian Tess Fowler, shared stories of inappropriate encounters with Simmons. Kiss is reportedly planning a major tour for 2018 but has not yet announced dates.
Gary Graff is an award-winning music journalist who not only covers music but has written books on Bob Seger, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen.
