Fans of Dancing with the Stars are expressing their shock over Gene Simmons using his position as a guest judge to “sexualize women.”
The 75-year-old KISS frontman, known for his larger-than-life stage presence and persona, joined the show to critique the contestants on Hair Metal Night as they danced to iconic rock anthems from the 1980s.
But audiences are now demanding the network “issue an apology” for “putting a creep on the show,” and for providing him a platform to voice his “cringe-worthy” and “sexist” comments.
On the Tuesday, October 9 episode of Dancing with the Stars, KISS rocker Gene Simmons raised quite a few eyebrows with his controversial guest appearance.
As part of the show’s Hair Metal Night, Simmons joined regular judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli to critique the celebrity dancers.
Despite the high energy of the nostalgia-filled performance set to hits like Cherry Pie and Rock You Like a Hurricane, Simmons’ sexually suggestive remarks overshadowed the night for many fans.
While his rock persona has long been associated with pushing boundaries, many felt his behavior wasn’t suited for the lighthearted nature of the competition series.
Throughout the episode, Simmons, 75, made several remarks that focused less on the dancing and more on the female dancer’s looks, which many viewers call “creepy.”
After former NFL wide receiver Danny Amendola and Witney Carson hit the dance floor, “The Demon” said he couldn’t figure out who was more “hot hot hot.”
“Danny, I’m telling you, you’re right next to somebody – one of the most beautiful women on the planet. She makes you look good. Buddy, you gotta hit the gym. You gotta get in there,” added Simmons.
And then, referring to Emma Slater who was dancing with actor Reginald VelJohnson dancer, he said: “You’ve got a beautiful woman right beside you, who can twist it and turn it, and knows how to move it and, you know, all that.”
The rock legend also had words for VelJohnson. “I wanna tell you, as a guy that’s been on the stage for half a century around the world, I’m kind of a big deal, Reggie,” Simmons said. “It’s all in the attitude and you’ve got something in that beautiful face, they love you!”
Perhaps one of his cringiest remarks was directed to actor-singer Chandler Kinney. Explaining that her moves “fogged up” his glasses, Simmons removed his dark shades and said, “You moved me, not just with your gyrations and so on, but your beautiful face and how you were into the emotion of it – top to bottom.”
He did however offer one relevant opinion to Kinney when he praised her talents, noting that she has a “big future” ahead of her.
Social media quickly filled with backlash, with many expressing their discomfort and frustration. Some viewers even went as far as to call him the “worst guest judge” in the show’s 33-season run.
“I usually like Gene Simmons and think he’s funny. But that was not the case as a guest judge. Very inappropriate and just not helpful,” writes one cyber fan on the DWTS Facebook site.
A second shares, “It was uncomfortable for us watching, can’t even imagine how the women felt. And he wasn’t scoring dances, he was just giving out random numbers.”
Gene was a bust! His comments and feedback were inappropriate along with the scores.”
A third critic adds, “His comments on all the girls was cringe!”
Another user calls Simmons “vulgar” and says he’s “the worst judge ever
Meanwhile, other online citizens are calling out ABC and Disney+, suggesting the network and streaming service apologize to fans of DWTS.
“Y’all owe the biggest apology to your fanbase (which is primarily women) & the dancers for putting that creep on your show and allowing for him to sexualize them on live TV,” one netizen writes on Facebook.
A second pens, “They need to apologize for having Gene Simmons. It was cringe-worthy. His comments were sexist, and he was just awful.”
“But they had a felon on the show this season,” adds another user, who’s referring to Anna Delvey (Sorokin), the convicted fraudster who sparked a lot of controversy with her appearance on September 17, the first episode of the DWTS season.
What do you think of DWTS decision in having Simmons as a guest judge? Please let us know what you think and then share this story so we can hear what others have to say!
Heather Locklear: Navigating the Highs and Lows
Heather Locklear: A Tale of Triumphs and Tribulations
Legendary actress Heather Locklear, celebrated for her iconic roles in television series such as “Dynasty,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Melrose Place,” and “Spin City,” has recently resurfaced in the public eye. Fans were astonished by the 62-year-old actress’s transformed appearance in recent paparazzi photos. Her battle with addiction and other personal challenges has left visible marks, including a prominent scar on her face.
Recently seen in Los Angeles with her fiancé, Chris Heisser, Locklear appeared almost unrecognizable. She dressed simply in white and chose a natural, makeup-free look. Displaying her generosity, Locklear rolled down her car window to give money to a homeless person they encountered after visiting friends.
Heather Locklear and Chris Heisser have shared a tumultuous journey together. Locklear’s struggles with alcohol and drug addiction have profoundly affected her physical appearance and led to various legal issues. She has been open about her battle with addiction, seeking help through approximately 20 rehab visits.
Finding lasting love has been challenging for Locklear. After two difficult marriages to rock stars Tommy Lee and Richie Sambora, she found true love with Chris Heisser. The couple rekindled their romance from their high school days at Newbury Park High School and got engaged four years ago.
Locklear’s daughter, Ava, from her marriage to Sambora, also recently became engaged to her partner Tyler Farrar. The love and support from her daughter and fiancé have undoubtedly been a source of strength for Locklear on her journey to recovery and redemption.
Unfortunately, Locklear’s personal struggles have often been thrust into the public eye. Over the years, police have been called to her home numerous times. In 2018, she made headlines after being arrested on charges of assaulting an officer and domestic abuse. Locklear pleaded guilty to all charges, resulting in a sentence of 120 days of suspended jail time and 30 days of involuntary admission to a mental health hospital.
Heather Locklear rose to fame as one of the most beloved television actresses of the 1980s and 1990s, thanks to her extraordinary talent and captivating performances. A six-time Golden Globe nominee, she showcased her versatility in series such as “Spin City” and “Melrose Place.” Though she never won any awards, her impact on the television industry was profound.
Reflecting on the highs and lows of Heather Locklear’s life, it’s crucial to remember that beneath the media attention and transformations is a woman who continues to face her challenges with resilience and strength. Locklear’s story is a powerful reminder that even amidst hardship, one can find hope and reclaim control of their life.
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