Angela Simmons issued an apology for wearing a gun-shaped purse at the 2024 BET Awards.
Simmons initially responded to backlash she faced for the outfit choice in a video she shared via Instagram. “So I see a lot of conversation around the bag, the purse I wore to the awards,” she said in the video. “I’m not like that, never been like that. I’m not violent.”
Simmons continued, “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, and that was it. I didn’t have any intentions of ruffling anyone’s feathers.”
“It seems 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 just not me, just not how I am.”
Simmons later issued a statement apologizing for the incident. “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.”
“Gun violence is a disease that has taken too many lives, particularly among young people and Black men,” she continued in the statement. “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 violence. To anyone who was hurt or offended by my actions, I offer my deepest apologies.”