Kiss legend Gene Simmons tears into celebrities talking constantly about politics — and he names names
KISS legend Gene Simmons is taking aim at celebrities who publicly weigh in on political issues, arguing that entertainers should focus on their craft rather than lecturing the public.
In a recent interview with TMZ, the outspoken 76-year-old musician criticized actors such as Ben Stiller and Mark Ruffalo, who have been vocal critics of President Donald Trump, particularly following the president’s airstrikes on Iran.
“Basically, shut the f— up,” Simmons said. “Do your art and keep your opinions to yourself. Nobody’s interested in your opinions, that includes me—who I vote for, who I like.”
He added that many Americans work hard and don’t want political lectures from wealthy entertainers.
“People in America work hard for a living and they don’t want to be lectured to by people who live in mansions and drive Rolls-Royces,” Simmons said. “It’s time for everybody in the entertainment industry to shut their piehole.”
Criticism of Hollywood activism
Simmons argued that actors and musicians should focus on performing rather than commenting on wars or political matters. He joked that if celebrities are going to weigh in on international conflicts, people might as well ask reality TV star Kylie Jenner for her opinion too.
The remarks come amid a renewed clash between President Trump and Stiller. The actor recently criticized the Trump administration on X after a clip from his 2008 comedy Tropic Thunder was used in a White House post.
“Hey White House, please remove the Tropic Thunder clip,” Stiller wrote. “We never gave you permission and have no interest in being a part of your propaganda machine. War is not a movie.”
Meanwhile, Avengers star Mark Ruffalo has also criticized the president’s actions regarding Iran. After the airstrikes, Ruffalo shared an article on Threads discussing Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, who previously represented the United States in negotiations with Iran.
“He was sent to make sure we went to war,” the post claimed.
Ruffalo also urged people on X earlier this month to contact lawmakers.
“Call your Senators and Congress members to say: No war with Iran! Two critical votes are happening in both chambers to stop Trump’s illegal, devastating war,” he wrote.
Simmons’ views over time
Simmons’ comments about politics have shifted over the years. During a 2022 appearance on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, the rocker said he initially welcomed Trump’s 2016 election victory because he believed a businessman might bring a different approach to government.
“I knew the guy from before then,” Simmons said at the time. “I was happy he won—I didn’t want Hillary Clinton to be happy. I thought, ‘A businessman is coming in. He understands how to run things.’”
However, he said his views evolved over time.
“The person that I saw first coming into power is not the person I saw within a year or two of that,” Simmons added.
Toward the end of the podcast interview, Simmons also emphasized a broader point about political expression.
“I think that’s good advice for all of us,” he said. “Keep your opinions to yourself and vote at the booth.”
The California Post said it reached out to Simmons, Stiller, and Ruffalo for additional comment.
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