Angela Simmons ‘Deeply Regrets’ Carrying Gun-shaped Purse at the BET Awards; Casze Atelier Issues Apology Statement

Angela Simmons, daughter of Run-D.M.C. founder Joseph Simmons and niece of music executive Russell Simmons, faced backlash online after accessorizing with a gun-shaped clutch at the BET Awards on Sunday.

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The entrepreneur walked the red carpet in a strapless beaded gown by Casze Atelier, completing her look with a bedazzled purse by the brand, which resembled a pistol.

“A gun purse doesn’t ever seem appropriate, especially at the BET Awards, a show dedicated to the Black community, a community that is predominantly affected by gun violence in devastating numbers,” Asia Milia Ware wrote in New York Magazine’s The Cut.

The publication shared its story about Simmons’ choice of handbag in an Instagram feed post and some users responded in agreement.

“Tone deaf and embarrassing,” one person commented.

“Why did she hold it up like an actual gun too? It’s not OK,” wrote another.

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On Tuesday, Simmons took to the social media app to acknowledge the controversy.

“I deeply regret that this item, which symbolizes a gun, was inappropriate and insensitive, especially given my personal and community experiences with gun violence,” she explained in an Instagram story.

Simmons’ ex-fiancé Sutton Tennyson, with whom she shares a son, was killed in a shooting in 2018.

“I ask for your understanding and forgiveness and hope you can accept my sincere apology,” she continued. “While this incident was a misstep, I will not allow it to define my moral compass or my commitment to promoting peace and ending gun violence.”

Casze Atelier also shared their own apology in the comments section. “The gun was never intended to symbolize or represent anything negative; it was simply an innocent accessory added to give an edge,” read their statement. “However, we apologize to anyone who felt offended by it.”

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