KISS’ Gene Simmons has sparked backlash online for making “sexist” and “offensive” comments on Dancing With The Stars.
The glam rock veteran made an appearance on this week’s episode of the US dancing competition (October 8), starring as a guest judge alongside Bruno Tonioli, Derek Hough and Carrie Ann Inaba.
It came as this week saw the 11 pairs return to the dance floor for a ‘rock n’ roll’ edition. The night was opened with a performance to the KISS classic ‘Rock And Roll All Nite’, and followed by choreography from the competitors to the likes of Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Twisted Sister, Whitesnake, Scorpions and more.
However, according to reports from the likes of Forbes and Blabbermouth, it was some of the comments made by Simmons that caught the attention of viewers – but not for the right reasons.
Taking to social media throughout the episode, some viewers criticised the bassist for making comments that were more centred on the dancers’ appearance than their abilities.
For instance, Phaedra Parks was given a lower score from Simmons than the other judges – although he didn’t share any negative feedback – and he also sparked boos from the audience after his praise for Reginald VelJohnson largely centred around his partner’s looks.
“Hey Reggie, you’ve got a beautiful woman right beside you who can twist it and turn it and knows how to move it and all that,” he said (via Blabbermouth). “But I want to tell you, as a guy that’s been on the stage for half a century around the world, I’m kind of a big deal, Reggie. It’s all in the attitude. And you’ve got something in that beautiful face. They love you.”
“Gene Simmons was the worst #DWTS guest judge ever. His comments were completely inappropriate for a family show and disrespectful of the female contestants,” one viewer wrote on X/Twitter.
“Gene Simmons literally salivating over the woman on dancing with the stars is disgusting i don’t think they could’ve picked a worse person to be in this role,” another shared, while a third added: “Don’t ever bring Gene Simmons back as a judge. That was awful and so uncomfortable. Creepy uncle vibes to all the women.”
Gene Simmons was the worst #DWTS guest judge ever. His comments were completely inappropriate for a family show and disrespectful of the female contestants. If DWTS insists on guest judges, stick to someone who understands the art of dance beyond mastering a stripper’s pole. 🙄 https://t.co/XmYVL2gWMa
— Christa Mariner (@MarinerChrista) October 9, 2024
gene simmons literally salivating over the woman on dancing with the stars is disgusting i don’t think they could’ve picked a worse person to be in this role #DWTS
— m (@BDavisPSawyer23) October 9, 2024
Don’t ever bring Gene Simmons back as a judge. That was awful and so uncomfortable. Creepy uncle vibes to all the women. That….Oof yeah. No. #DWTS pic.twitter.com/p7QrvHPFQc
— Melody ♥︎ ملودی 🦜🎗💔 (@Melodious87) October 10, 2024
Elsewhere, another viewer shared: “Gene Simmons might be one of the worst guest judges they’ve ever had. A lot of the stuff he said felt out of pocket and downright gross at times”, while others criticised the shows’ producers for not taking action to minimise the comments.
“During commercial breaks, producers of #DWTS should have told Mr Gene Simmons to stop commenting on all of the women’s looks,” one wrote. “I’ve only seen 3 dances so far & I’m over his irrelevant remarks about the women when he is supposed to be commenting/’judging’ their dancing!”
Find more responses below.
Gene Simmons might be one of the worst guest judges they’ve ever had. A lot of the stuff he said felt out of pocket and downright gross at times. https://t.co/JgYT8Y3b71
— Elizabeth 📜 (@AwkwardPancake) October 9, 2024
During commercial breaks, producers of #DWTS should have told Mr Gene Simmons to stop commenting on all of the women’s looks. 🙄 I’ve only seen 3 dances so far & I’m over his irrelevant remarks about the women when he is supposed to be commenting/“judging” their dancing! pic.twitter.com/3CUSJk2FdB
— Megan💬🍿 (@bravoholic_) October 9, 2024
can we get gene simmons off the stage immediately pls i cannot take these misogynistic comments #dwts pic.twitter.com/rwxxkbUQTz
— katie ❥ | 8 days🌟 (@daydreamxshawn) October 9, 2024
I haven’t tweeted in months and I just came back to talk about how fucking uncomfortable Gene Simmons is making the entire staff and audience of #DWTS what a fucking creep
— x – Katie (@ThoughtsofKatie) October 9, 2024
gene simmons hitting on every breathing woman in that damn ballroom pic.twitter.com/v6prHDhKGE
— jules 🪩🍂 (@COSMICSTARGlRL) October 9, 2024
it’s only the first dance and i’m already over gene simmons being a creep #DWTSpic.twitter.com/iEEyoSlPUh
— Cheyanne 🪩 (@alltoochey) October 9, 2024
gene simmons making a real strong case for being the worst guest judge ever#dwts pic.twitter.com/jcBzzIhcqN
— jay 🏎️🏒 (@averagely_basic) October 9, 2024
whoever’s idea it was to have gene simmons on dwts needs to be fired
— marisa (@delicatelygoldn) October 9, 2024
#dwts The producer who booked Gene Simmons as a guest judge for a live show pic.twitter.com/xlgkQEOtuy
— Maicol 📺 (@michaelcollado) October 9, 2024
In other Gene Simmons news, the KISS bassist recently said he’s fine with being called an “asshole” – even suggesting he’s “reclaimed” the word and attempting to compare it to “black people taking possession of the ‘n’ word”.
Before then, he said that Oasis fans unhappy with the use of dynamic pricing are “entitled to fuck off” and also weighed in on the prospect of a reunion of The Smiths.
He was, however, more positive about Linkin Park’s new singer, Emily Armstrong. “The new female singer, great. She fits the band. She sounds great and good luck to them. Life is short. Go out there and live it up, enjoy it,” he said.
“Linkin Park got fans, they want to hear the songs and the music. Why not? There are bands that tour, Lynyrd Skynyrd, lots of bands that barely have any original members or no original members. People want to hear those songs.”
