Angela Simmons has issued an apology after she faced backlash for wearing a gun-shaped clutch bag to the BET Awards . The US reality TV star, who is the daughter of Run DMC ’s Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, carried an emerald, diamante-covered purse moulded in the shape of a hand pistol to the awards ceremony on Sunday night (30 June). Fans quickly criticised the 36-year-old Growing Up Hip Hop star for the style choice and its symbolism, with some accusing her of glorifying gun violence, since she posed on the red carpet pointing the purse up to the camera lens.
One fan said her choice of bag was “poor taste”, as another added: “With all the gun violence in America, it’s not a good look.” “Glock clutch is insane,” wrote someone else, with one fan asking on social media: “What’s the inspiration behind the gun? Violence?” Simmons issued an apology on Instagram on Tuesday (2 July), telling fans she thought the purse’s design was “cute and unique”, but admitted that she had made a “poor decision in using it as an accessory to amplify my beauty”. “I deeply regret that this item, which symbolises a gun, was inappropriate and insensitive, especially given my personal and community experiences with gun violence,” she said.
“I understand the pain and hurt this caused, especially to those who have been directly impacted by gun violence. For my entire life, I have always exemplified peace, unification, and the resolution of gun violence in America.�.
