Gene Simmons Calls Out Celebrities for Political Lecturing

Published March 10, 2026 6:40 PM EDT • Updated March 10, 2026 6:40 PM EDT

In an increasingly polarized landscape, legendary KISS bassist Gene Simmons has delivered a blunt message to his fellow celebrities: stick to your art and refrain from political commentary. Simmons’s remarks, made to TMZ, arrive amid growing public fatigue with celebrities weighing in on political issues.

“Basically, Shut the F–k Up”

Simmons didn’t mince words when asked about celebrities who publicly criticize political figures like President Donald Trump. “Basically, shut the f–k up,” he told TMZ. “Do your art and shut up. Nobody’s interested in your opinions, that includes me. Who I vote for. Who I like.”

He questioned the qualifications of actors and comedians to offer political opinions, stating, “Yeah, because everybody in the world should listen to what actors and comedians say—because they’re so qualified.”

A Disconnect from Everyday Americans

Simmons argued that many Americans are tired of being lectured by wealthy celebrities. “Who the f–k do you think you are?” he continued. “People in America perform hard for their living, and they don’t want to be lectured to by people who live in mansions and drive Rolls-Royces. It’s time for everybody in the entertainment industry to shut their piehole.”

He believes that focusing on their craft is the best course of action for entertainers. “Nobody cares what you think—I don’t,” Simmons asserted.

Examples Cited: Stiller, Ruffalo, and Beyond

Simmons specifically called out actors Ben Stiller and Mark Ruffalo, who have been vocal critics of President Trump, particularly following airstrikes on Iran. According to the New York Post, Stiller recently protested the Trump administration’s use of a clip from his film “Tropic Thunder,” while Ruffalo has criticized the administration’s dealings with Iran.

Simmons even suggested that seeking the political opinions of reality television stars like Kylie Jenner would be just as relevant as those of established actors. This highlights his broader criticism of celebrity involvement in political discourse.

Business Sense and Alienating Audiences

Beyond the annoyance factor, Simmons suggests that getting political is often a poor business decision. He argues that taking a political stance risks alienating half of an audience. He pointed to James Gunn’s “Superman” movie as an example of a project that divided audiences despite the character’s typically broad appeal.

Simmons’s comments reflect a growing sentiment that celebrities should prioritize their artistic endeavors and avoid injecting their political views into their work.