Source: Christopher Polk / Getty
Angela Simmons addressed criticism regarding her choice of accessory—a bejeweled gun-shaped purse—to complement her emerald green gown by Casze Atelier at the 2024 BET Awards.
On Sunday, Simmons, 36, took to her Instagram Stories to respond to backlash from Black users on X who questioned her decision. Some criticized the move as “corny” and insensitive, especially considering Simmons lost her late ex-fiancé, Sutton Joseph Tennyson, to gun violence in 2018 after he was involved in an argument inside a southwest Atlanta home.
Angela Simmons son is growing up without his Father & never even had the chance to know him because he was a victim of gun violence & she wants to be a corny low life goof walking around with a clip as a prop. This can’t be the legendary Rev Run’s daughter. pic.twitter.com/g5b8Gu7qUB
— Chris (@RealDealChris) July 1, 2024
Simmons clarified that she intended no harm by wearing the distinctive statement piece.
“I’m not violent. I’ve obviously been through a lot in my personal life when it comes to gun violence, and it’s very personal to me,” she told fans Sunday night. “I just liked the bag, and I thought it was cool, and I thought it was a fashion moment… I didn’t have any intentions of ruffling anyone’s feathers. It seems like everyone, or a couple of people, I should say, are a little upset , but I don’t mean no harm… I’m super, super peaceful, and, yeah. I’m sorry if it bothered anyone.”
As criticism mounted online, some internet users intensified their condemnation of Simmons, arguing that the gun-shaped purse was insensitive to the Black community, which disproportionately suffers from gun violence.
According to Brady, despite comprising only 14% of the U.S. population, Black individuals account for 60% of annual firearm homicide victims. On average, Black individuals are over 11.5 times more likely to be victims of firearm homicide compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts. Gun violence has remained the leading cause of death among Black children since 2006.
Idk…Angela Simmons doing that on the red carpet just isn’t sitting right with me.
She knows firsthand the devastation of gun violence in our community, yet that’s how she chose to pose at an award show? pic.twitter.com/kmkHIe9Ypy
— Lex (@Beautiful_Lex) July 1, 2024
Some even suggested Angela’s fashion faux pas might be influenced by her trap rapper boyfriend, Yo Gotti. Conversely, some users questioned whether Gotti would take offense, given that the rapper tragically lost his brother, Big Jook (real name Anthony Mims), to gun violence in January. The shooting reportedly occurred outside Perignon’s Restaurant and Event Center in Hickory Hill, in Memphis, Tennessee, as reported by Fox 13.
Angela Simmons got with Gotti now she’s bringing guns to the awards shows Where is Rev Run? #BETAwards
— Bird’s Eye View (@BossetBMonroe) July 1, 2024
What do you think? Was it a bad move on Angela’s part to rock her gun purse at the 2024 BET Awards?
DON’T MISS…
Angela Simmons Poses With Her Boo Yo Gotti In Stylish Givenchy Boots
Angela Simmons & Yo Gotti Make It Official With Stylish Announcement Photos
Could Angela Simmons Be The Next Big Skincare Mogul?
The post Angela Simmons Catches Heat For Rocking A Gun-Shaped Purse To 2024 BET Awards appeared first on Black America Web.