Gene Simmons has issued an apology after receiving backlash over comments he made about Ace Frehley’s death.
Frehley, the original lead guitarist for rock band KISS, died at the age of 74 in October.
The musician had been on life support and a ventilator after suffering a brain bleed caused by a fall at his home the previous month.
Following Frehley’s passing, Simmons suggested in a recent interview for The New York Post that his bandmate died because of a series of “bad decisions”.
But after the comments hit headlines, the rock icon took to X on Wednesday to admit that he was “wrong”.
“On reflection, I was wrong for using the words I used. I humbly apologize,” the 76-year-old wrote. “My hand to God I didn’t intend to hurt Ace or his legacy but upon rereading my words, I see how it hurt everyone. Again, I apologize. I’ve always loved Ace. Always.”
On the weekend, KISS was recognised at the annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C.
Speaking to People reporters on the red carpet, KISS co-founders Paul Stanley and Peter Criss opened up about Frehley’s legacy.
“We are here and simultaneously we can mourn his passing and celebrate our accomplishments. So, both things can be true at the same time,” mused Stanley. “He’s here in spirit. He was looking very forward to being here and I feel he’s here.”
Monique Frehley accepted the Kennedy Center Honors medal on her late father’s behalf during a presentation held by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Saturday.
