Angela Simmons Apologizes for Gun Purse at BET Awards
Angela Simmons has apologized for posing with her gun-shaped purse on the BET Awards red carpet after receiving backlash on social media.
The entrepreneur and daughter of Run-DMC‘s Rev Run posted a video explaining her wardrobe accessory choice, saying she didn’t intend to cause any controversy. “I see a lot of conversation around the purse I wore to the awards,” she said. “Normally, I don’t address rumors and stuff but I’m not like that. I’ve never been like that. I’m not violent.”
Adding, “I have obviously been through a lot in my personal life when it comes to gun violence. It’s very personal to me, but I just liked the bag. I thought it was cool and a fashion moment. That was it. I didn’t have any intentions of ruffling anyone’s feathers … I’m sorry if it bothered anyone.”
She then released a lengthy statement on her Instagram Stories, calling the purse “a poor decision.”
“I want to address the recent incident involving the green purse I carried at the BET Awards. 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,” she 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.”
She then gave an apology later in the statement, saying, “It was a mistake that does not define who I am or my commitment to ending gun violence. To anyone who was hurt or offended by my actions, I offer my deepest apologies.”
You can read the full statement below:
Yo Gotti, who is currently dating Angela Simmons, made light of the situation on his Instagram Stories, saying, “She was just practicing.“
Angela Simmons’ ex-fiancé Sutton Tennyson was fatally shot 13 times in 2018 after an argument outside of his home escalated. He was 37 years old and the two have a son together.
Angel Diaz
Billboard
