KISS frontman Gene Simmons blasted politically outspoken celebrities this week, telling actors and entertainers to “shut the f— up” and stop lecturing Americans about politics.
The rock legend delivered the blunt message during an interview with TMZ when asked about actors criticizing President Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran.
Simmons dismissed the idea that celebrities should influence political debate.
“Because everybody in the world should listen to what actors and comedians say because they’re so qualified,” Simmons joked while responding to questions about comments from stars like Ben Stiller.
The musician then delivered his verdict. “Basically, shut the f— up,” Simmons told the outlet.
He argued that entertainers should focus on their craft rather than trying to sway voters.
“Do your art and shut up,” Simmons said. “Nobody’s interested in your opinions.”
Hey White House, please remove the Tropic Thunder clip. We never gave you permission and have no interest in being a part of your propaganda machine. War is not a movie. https://t.co/dMQqRxxVCa
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) March 6, 2026
Simmons also criticized what he described as wealthy celebrities lecturing everyday Americans.
“People in America work hard for a living,” he remarked. “They don’t want to be lectured to by people who live in mansions and drive Rolls-Royces.”
Gene Simmons from Kiss has an inspiring message to the Israeli people from the Ambassadors for Peace Gala
— Kosher (@koshercockney) December 3, 2025
The KISS co-founder continued hammering the point. “Who the f— do you think you are?” Simmons asked.
“It’s time for everybody in the entertainment industry to shut their piehole and just do your art,” he continued.
Simmons also mocked actor Mark Ruffalo during the interview, deliberately mispronouncing the “Avengers” star’s name.
“Mark Buffalo,” Simmons quipped while referencing Ruffalo’s frequent political commentary. “I don’t care,” he added.
Mark Ruffalo suggests that we need to 're-imagine' our economic system in America to make it more socialist 🇺🇸
Your thoughts?pic.twitter.com/AjGd9Y3VD8
— Anti Left Memes (@AntiLeftMemes) March 3, 2026
The exchange ended with Simmons joking that reporters could ask another celebrity for their thoughts on the conflict.
“Or go to Kylie Jenner and ask her what she thinks of the war so far,” he said.
Simmons has occasionally commented on political culture in the past but has often insisted that personal voting decisions should remain private.
During a December interview on CNN’s “Inside Politics,” Simmons criticized the growing pressure for Americans to declare their political allegiances.
“It’s nobody’s business who you support,” Simmons said.
He argued that political divisions have intensified because people demand ideological conformity.
“Nowadays people engage in, ‘So are you pro or,'” Simmons explained before firing back with a blunt response.
“My first question is, ‘Who the f— are you?'” he said.
“Since when does who I support or not support become the business of anyone except my conscience?”
Host Manu Raju asked Simmons during that interview about the MAGA wing of the Republican Party.
The musician responded cautiously while reiterating his broader point about personal freedom. “Some of it makes sense and some not,” Simmons said.
He again questioned why voters care about a rock star’s political views.
“Have a sense of humor,” Simmons remarked. “Take a pill, shut up and stop worrying what your next-door neighbor believes or doesn’t believe. It’s their America too.”
Simmons also described a recent interaction with Trump after KISS received a Kennedy Center honor.
The band was recognized in December during a ceremony attended by the president and members of Congress.
Simmons recalled speaking privately with Trump following the awards presentation.
“I had some face time alone with the president,” Simmons said while describing the moment.
The conversation, he explained, was far more casual than political.
“The conversation was what human beings do,” Simmons said. “How’s the family? How are the kids? It’s not always about politics.”
Simmons has known Trump for decades, long before Trump entered politics.
“I actually met the president on and off for years and years,” Simmons said. “Decades before he entered politics.”
The rock star has also been active in Washington on issues tied to the music industry.
In December he traveled to Capitol Hill to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the American Music Fairness Act.
The legislation would require AM/FM radio stations to pay royalties to artists and copyright holders when their music is played.
Gene Simmons from KISS before Congress yesterday pic.twitter.com/naROZTomye
— Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) December 10, 2025
Simmons told lawmakers the issue has long hurt musicians whose work generates advertising revenue for broadcasters without compensation.
“It looks like a small issue,” Simmons told the Senate Judiciary Intellectual Property Subcommittee. “There are wars going on and everything.”
But he argued that music remains one of America’s most powerful cultural exports.
“Our emissaries to the world are Elvis and Frank Sinatra,” Simmons said.
He claimed legendary artists were treated unfairly under the current system.
“Elvis and Bing Crosby and Sinatra got nothing for their performance,” Simmons said.
“Slaves get food and water,” he continued. “Elvis and Bing Crosby and Sinatra got nothing.”
Michael Huppe, the chief executive officer of SoundExchange, also testified in favor of the bill during the hearing.
Huppe told lawmakers that radio broadcasters generated enormous advertising revenue while paying nothing to recording artists.
“Radio corporations made $250 billion in ad revenue over the past 16 years,” Huppe said.
“Recording artists were paid exactly zero,” he added.
He argued that broadcasters were profiting from music they did not compensate creators for.
“Broadcasters are using other people’s property,” Huppe told the subcommittee.
He also pointed out that the United States is the only country where performers are not paid royalties when songs are played on AM or FM radio. “Even Russia and China pay,” Huppe said.
Online streaming services already compensate artists when songs are played on their platforms.
Traditional radio, however, still operates under different rules. Huppe argued that broadcasters once claimed radio airplay helped promote artists and sell albums.
But that model, he said, no longer reflects how listeners discover music.
“Most people now are exposed to new music online,” Huppe explained.
“The days of hearing a song on the radio and going out and buying a CD or an album are long gone,” he added.
Huppe told lawmakers that AM/FM radio stations earned nearly $14 billion in advertising revenue last year while continuing to avoid paying performers.
“No legitimate business or policy reason can justify that difference,” he said.
The American Music Fairness Act was introduced in the House by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif.
In the Senate, the legislation has been championed by Sens. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Alex Padilla, D-Calif.
More than 300 artists and estates have signed letters urging Congress to pass the bill.
The proposal would still provide reduced rates for smaller radio stations.
Under the plan, qualifying broadcasters could pay a flat rate of about $1.37 per day while still playing unlimited music.
Simmons told lawmakers the legislation is necessary to ensure performers receive fair compensation for their work.
“Having spent my career in the music and entertainment industry,” Simmons said in prepared remarks, “I understand the vital importance of this issue.”