KISS co-founder Gene Simmons is taking aim at celebrities who use their platforms to speak out on political issues.
According to the New York Post, the outspoken rocker said entertainers should focus on their craft instead of lecturing the public, singling out actors who have criticized President Donald Trump following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran.
Speaking with TMZ, Simmons delivered a blunt message for stars who regularly weigh in on politics.
“Basically, shut the f–k up,” Simmons said. “Do your art and shut up. Nobody’s interested in your opinions, that includes me. Who I vote for. Who I like.”
The 76-year-old musician specifically referenced actors such as Ben Stiller and Mark Ruffalo, who have both publicly criticized Trump in recent weeks.
Simmons argued that celebrities are out of touch with everyday Americans and should stop trying to influence political debates.
“Who the f–k do you think you are?” Simmons said. “People in America work hard for a 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 added that when actors and singers speak out about war or other major issues, the public is no more interested in their opinions than they would be in hearing from reality television personalities.
The rocker joked that people might as well ask “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” star Kylie Jenner what she thinks about the war if celebrities are going to continue speaking out.
Simmons has previously shared mixed views about Trump and politics.
During a 2022 appearance on Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast, the musician said he initially welcomed Trump’s election victory in 2016.
“I knew the guy from before then. … Oh, yeah people will tell you, ‘Oh yeah Gene was happy Trump won.’ I was, I didn’t want Hillary [Clinton] to be happy,” Simmons said. “I thought, oh businessman is coming in. He understands how to run things.”
He said his view later shifted.
“The person that I saw first coming into power is not the person I saw within a year or two of that,” he said. “But I changed, the way lots of people changed.”
Despite those evolving opinions, Simmons said he believes people — especially public figures — should keep their political views private.
“I think that’s a good piece of advice for all of us,” he said. “Keep your opinions to yourself, vote at the booth.”
