Robin Williams' Death Brings to Light Ill Remarks Made by KISS' Gene Simmons About Suicide and Depression; Rocker Under Fire for His Comments
Following Robin Williams' death, nasty remarks previously made by KISS' Gene Simmons about depression and suicide have come to the forefront.
During an interview in July for the website Songfacts , Simmons' expressed how he can't understand how people these days can be so depressed when his mom, who survived Nazi Germany, lives a happy life.
"My mother was in a concentration camp in Nazi Germany," said Simmons, who was born as Chaim Witz in Israel in 1949, four years after World War II ended. "I don't want to hear f--k all about 'the world as a harsh place.' She gets up every day, smells the roses and loves life. And for a putz, 20-year-old kid to say, 'I'm depressed, I live in Seattle.' F--k you, then kill yourself."
This interviewed surfaced over social media just after news broke that Williams took his own life at the age of 63 this past Monday. The Academy Award-winning actor was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and in a constant battle with depression. In addition, Williams struggled with alcohol and drug addiction in the past.
Simmons' comments triggered the Twitter hashtag #BanGene to trend. Plus, a bunch of radio stations in Canada announced a boycott of KISS' music.
By Friday, Simmons released an apology via Facebook.
"I sincerely apologize to those who were offended by my comments. I recognize that depression is very serious and very sad when it happens to anyone, especially loved ones. I deeply support and am empathetic to anyone suffering from any disease, especially depression," said Simmons' Facebook.
