Gene Simmons Says Celebrities Should “Shut Up” About Politics

KISS rocker Gene Simmons is making headlines again, this time for his blunt take on celebrity political activism.

Simmons’ Message to Hollywood

Speaking to TMZ on March 10, the 76-year-old musician said stars should stop sharing political opinions and focus on their art. “Do your art and shut up! Nobody’s interested in your opinions. That includes me! Who I vote for, who I like,” Simmons said.

He added that everyday Americans don’t want to be lectured by wealthy entertainers. “People in America work hard for their living, and they don’t want to be lectured to by people who live in mansions and drive Rolls-Royces,” he explained.

Calling Out Fellow Celebrities

Simmons specifically mentioned actors like Ben Stiller and Mark Ruffalo, both of whom have been outspoken critics of President Donald Trump. “What does Mark think about politics? I don’t care,” Simmons said.

His comments came after Stiller publicly criticized the White House for using Tropic Thunder footage in a social media video tied to the Iran war, saying, “War is not a movie.”

Not the First Time

This isn’t Simmons’ first time weighing in on celebrity activism. Ahead of the 2016 election, he told Yahoo Music that entertainers should avoid politics, saying democracy “doesn’t work well when celebrities butt their heads into places they don’t belong.”

In December 2025, Simmons told CNN his political views are “nobody’s business,” adding, “Since when is who I support or not support the business of anyone except my conscience?”

A Rock Legacy

Despite his outspoken views, Simmons remains a legendary figure in rock. KISS, formed in 1973, wrapped up its End of the Road tour in 2023. Simmons and his bandmates were honored at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2025, cementing their cultural impact. While Simmons insists his political opinions don’t matter, his comments continue to spark debate about the role of celebrities in public discourse.