Angela Simmons made a bold fashion statement at the 2024 BET Awards. The entrepreneur and TV personality wore a stunning emerald-gemmed gown, but it was her accessory that stole the spotlight. Simmons chose to pair her peacock-inspired dress with a gun-shaped purse, sparking a wave of controversy on social media.
Angela Simmons Addresses Social Media Backlash
Simmons addressed the backlash in a heartfelt video. “I see a lot of conversation around the bag, the purse I wore to the awards. Normally, I don’t address rumors and stuff, but I’m not like that. Never been like that,” she began. “I’m super, like, 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. But I just liked the bag and thought it was cool and thought it was a fashion moment.”
Critics were quick to point out Simmons’ personal history with gun violence. In 2018, her son’s father, Sutton Tennyson, was tragically killed in a shooting. Additionally, her current partner, rapper Yo Gotti, lost his brother to gun violence earlier this year.
Addressing the Critics
Simmons continued to explain her decision, emphasizing her peaceful nature. “I didn’t have any intentions of ruffling anyone’s feathers. It seems like everyone’s—or a couple of people are a little upset, but I don’t mean no harm. I’m super, super peaceful. I’m sorry if it bothered anyone, but that’s not me, that’s just not how I am.”
The backlash has been intense, with many pointing to her past as a reason for the purse being in poor taste. Simmons, however, stood firm in her explanation, asserting that her choice was purely fashion-driven and not meant to be a statement on gun violence.
Personal History
In the wake of Tennyson’s death, Simmons shared her grief publicly. “Thank you for leaving behind my greatest gift. I’m hurting. I’m numb. Thank you for the outpouring of love, everyone. I can’t believe I’m even saying Rest In Peace, Sutton. I promise to hold SJ down in every way, I promise,” she wrote on Instagram.
Their son was only two years old at the time. Simmons later appeared on Tamron Hall’s show in 2022, where she spoke about the trauma. “All of a sudden I was numb. That day I was like, ‘literally don’t feel my body.’ I had to immediately go to therapy. It was just a lot. It’s an ongoing thing. Without therapy, I don’t think I’d be [sitting] here.”
Simmons credits her family, friends, and life coaches for helping her navigate her grief. Despite the criticism, she remains focused on her peaceful nature and personal healing journey.