Angela Simmons apologizes for gun-shaped purse at BET Awards - Los Angeles Times
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Angela Simmons apologizes, ‘deeply regrets’ carrying a gun-shaped purse at BET Awards

Angela Simmons showing off a bedazzled green purse shaped like a handgun while wearing a strapless green gown
Angela Simmons brandished a bedazzled green purse in the shape of a gun at the BET Awards on June 30 at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)
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Angela Simmons is apologizing for her accessory at the 2024 BET Awards, where she sported a bedazzled gun-shaped purse.

Following the backlash on social media, the 36-year-old entrepreneur and TV personality, took to Instagram to address the controversy sparked by her fashion statement.

BET publishes Usher’s full lifetime achievement award speech after it ‘inadvertently muted’ the R&B icon during the 2024 BET Awards. Here’s a full transcript.

July 1, 2024

“I want to address the recent incident involving the green purse I carried at the BET Awards,” Simmons wrote Monday on her Instagram story. “When I chose the purse, I believed it was cute and unique and I made a poor decision in using it as an accessory to amplify my beauty.”

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She expressed her regret for the insensitivity of carrying an item that symbolizes a gun, particularly in light of her personal and community experiences with gun violence. Her former fiancé Sutton Tennyson, with whom she had a child in 2016, was killed in a shooting in 2018. Simmons said she “understands the pain and hurt this has caused.”

Last week, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared gun violence a national health crisis. Simmons acknowledged the issue surrounding gun violence in her apology, noting how it has affected many lives including her own.

“Gun violence is a disease that has taken too many lives, particularly among young people and Black men,” said Simmons, known for her role in the reality show “Run’s House.” “By carrying this purse, I did not intend to promote gun violence in any way. It was a mistake that does not define who I am or my commitment to ending gun violence.”

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On Sunday night, the backlash on social media had been swift. Some took to X, formerly Twitter, to chime in.

“So let me get this straight: Angela Simmons BD [baby daddy] was murdered as a result of gun violence… Angela’s boyfriend Yo Gotti’s brother was recently murdered as a result of gun violence… Young Dolph’s murder trial is actively ongoing — and Angela thought it was a good idea to have a bedazzled gun purse for the BET Awards,” one person tweeted.

“I LOVE #AngelaSimmons BUT THIS Right Here Is SICK AND SAD…,” another tweeted.

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“I understand it’s a purse but come on it’s the red carpet you did that on purpose ….she got too much money to be even carrying that thing I don’t understand where she was getting at honestly,” a third person tweeted.

Simmons notably starred alongside her family in the reality show “Run’s House.” The show, which ran 2005-2009, followed RUN-DMC member-turned-minister Joseph Simmons, “Rev. Run,” and his wife as they raised their five kids, including Angela.

Simmons concluded her statement with a pledge to continue advocating for peace and supporting families affected by gun violence.

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