Shoe designer Angela Simmons has admitted she regrets carrying a gun-shaped clutch at the 2024 BET Awards over the weekend.
Simmons, the daughter of Run-DMC founder Joseph Simmons, faced backlash online after she attended the award ceremony with a green, crystal-covered clutch fashioned into the shape of a hand gun.
she has taken to her Instagram to apologise for what she called a “poor decision”.
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“I want to address the recent incident involving the green purse I carried at the BET Awards,” she wrote.
“When I chose the purse, I believed it was cute and unique, and I made a poor decision in using it as an accessory to amplify my beauty.”
“I deeply regret that this item, which symbolises a gun, was inappropriate and insensitive, especially given my personal and community experiences with gun violence.”
Some of the online backlash touched on the fact Simmons’ ex-fiancé, and the father of her son, Sutton Tennyson was killed due to gun violence.
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Simmons touched on this in her statement, writing, “I have personally lost my partner, the father of my child, to gun violence, and I have witnessed its devastating impact on my community in Southeast Queens.”
She clarified that she remains committed to fighting against gun violence.
“Gun violence is a disease that has taken too many lives, particularly among young people and Black men. By carrying this purse, I did not intend to promote gun violence in any way,” she wrote.
“It was a mistake that does not define who I am or my commitment to ending gun violence. To anyone who was hurt or offended by my actions, I offer my deepest apologies.”
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She also highlighted her work with gun violence activist Erica Ford and said that “moving forward, (she) will continue (her) dedication to making peace a reality for millions of children and families across America who, like (hers), have been directly impacted by gun violence.”
“I ask for your understanding and forgiveness, and I hope you can accept my sincere apology. While this incident was a misstep, I will not allow it to define my moral compass or my commitment to promoting peace and ending fun violence. Thank you for your continued support in this crucial mission,” she concluded.
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