Gene Simmons is unapologetic about his reputation and even embraces the label of “Asshole.” In a recent interview on Really Famous With Kara Mayer Robinson, the KISS bassist made a controversial comparison, likening his reclamation of the term to Black people taking ownership of the N-word.
Simmons, now 75, reflected on how he’s perceived by others, acknowledging that some people think he’s an “asshole.” He even titled his second solo album Asshole as a nod to this public perception.
“I named my second solo album *Asshole*, which I thought was similar to how Black people have taken possession of the N-word,” Simmons explained, before continuing with another analogy: “And how overweight people claim the word ‘fat’ to lessen its impact.”
He’s clear about being comfortable with the label, saying, “I’m okay with being called an asshole because I know who I am.”
For Simmons, the criticism often stems from people accusing him of being solely motivated by money, but he embraces that too: “Of course it’s for money. Why am I not considered salt of the earth when almost every job on the planet is done by people just trying to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads?
Nobody likes digging ditches, but they do it for the paycheck. Why is it different for me just because I make more?”
Simmons also addressed his philanthropic efforts, though he made it clear that he doesn’t feel the need to publicly share those details. “I give to charity, but it’s none of your business who or what or where,” he said.
His ultimate message? Be unapologetically yourself: “Maybe the best thing you can do in life is just be comfortable in your own skin.”
