Angela Simmons found herself defending her fashion choice at the 2024 BET Awards, where she arrived in a striking green strapless dress accessorized with a purse shaped like a handgun. This bold statement immediately drew criticism on social media, particularly in light of her personal history with gun violence following the tragic death of her child’s father in 2018.
Critics on platforms like Twitter expressed disappointment and disbelief, with one user remarking, “Angela Simmons’ son grows up without his father due to gun violence, yet she parades with a gun purse. This isn’t fitting for Rev Run’s daughter.” The backlash highlighted the tension between fashion expression and personal sensitivity.
In response to the outcry, Angela took to her Instagram Story that same evening to address the controversy directly. “I’m not about violence,” she began, visibly earnest. “Gun violence has deeply affected my life, but I saw the bag as a fashion statement, nothing more. I didn’t mean to upset anyone.” Despite her explanation, criticisms continued to pour in, prompting Angela to further clarify her position in a video shared on Instagram later that night. “I’m not violent,” she reiterated. “Gun violence has touched my life, but I saw it as a fashion moment. I didn’t mean to offend. I’m all about peace.”
Angela Simmons remains steadfast in defending her choice of accessory, emphasizing her commitment to peace and regret for any unintended offense caused. The incident underscores the complexities celebrities face in balancing personal histories, public perception, and fashion expression on high-profile platforms like the BET Awards.