Gene Simmons Urges Celebrities to ‘Shut Up’ About Politics

KISS frontman Gene Simmons has voiced his frustration with celebrities who publicly share their political opinions, telling them to focus on their craft and refrain from lecturing the public. The rocker’s comments come amid ongoing debate about the role of public figures in political discourse, particularly regarding criticism of President Donald Trump.

Simmons’ Criticism

When asked by TMZ about celebrities like Ben Stiller and Mark Ruffalo, who have been vocal critics of President Trump, Simmons responded sharply. “Basically, shut the f—k up,” he said. “Do your art and shut up. Nobody’s interested in their opinions. That includes me, who I vote for, who I like.” He questioned their authority, stating, “Who the f—k do you think you are?”

Simmons argued that everyday Americans “operate hard for a living” and don’t desire to be “lectured to by people who live in mansions and drive Rolls-Royces.” He reiterated his belief that entertainers should “shut their piehole and just do your art. Nobody cares what you think. I don’t.”

Specific Targets

Simmons specifically called out actor Mark Ruffalo, stating, “I don’t care” what Ruffalo thinks about politics. This sentiment reflects a broader frustration with celebrities weighing in on issues outside their area of expertise.

Recent Political Commentary from Celebrities

The debate over celebrity political activism has been particularly prominent during the 2026 awards season. At the 2026 Grammys, Billie Eilish criticized ICE even as accepting an award, sparking criticism from figures like Sen. Ted Cruz and Kevin O’Leary. Ruffalo subsequently defended Eilish, telling O’Leary to “STFU.”

Simmons’ Evolving Views on Trump

While Simmons now appears to prefer a more reserved approach to political commentary, his views on President Trump have evolved over time. In a 2022 interview on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, Simmons stated he was “happy” when Trump was first elected in 2016. However, he later expressed concern about the increasing polarization of politics under Trump’s leadership, noting that the president he initially observed was different from the one he saw within a year or two of taking office.

Recent Recognition from Trump

Despite his past criticisms, Simmons recently expressed gratitude to President Trump after KISS was honored at the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, stating the band was “deeply honored” by the recognition. President Trump awarded KISS and other honorees with medals at the White House before the annual event.