Gene Simmons on Celebrities and Politics: Why Stars Should Stick to Their Art

Gene Simmons, the lead singer of KISS, believes that celebrities should refrain from discussing political matters and focus on their work instead. He expressed his opinion after actor Ben Stiller criticized President Donald Trump for using a clip from his movie Tropic Thunder to justify military action. Gene emphasized that people in the public eye are not more qualified to talk about world events than anyone else and should keep their opinions to themselves. He also mentioned that hardworking Americans do not want to be lectured by wealthy celebrities.
Gene Simmons specifically called out actor Mark Ruffalo for frequently sharing his political views, even mispronouncing his last name as "Buffalo." He sarcastically suggested asking reality star Kylie Jenner for her opinion on the war. Despite his stance on celebrities discussing politics, Gene himself has previously shared his thoughts on Trump, whom he met during his appearance on Celebrity Apprentice in 2008. In a 2016 interview, he praised Trump for being good for the political system, but by 2022, he had changed his perspective, criticizing the former president for causing polarization in the country.
In conclusion, Gene Simmons believes that celebrities should focus on their art and refrain from sharing their political opinions. He argues that the public is not interested in their views and that individuals in the entertainment industry should avoid lecturing others on political matters. Despite his own past comments on Trump, Gene now criticizes the former president for his impact on the country's political landscape.