Gene Simmons Sparks Controversy as Guest Judge on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ — Here’s What Went Down!
Gene Simmons Faces Backlash as Guest Judge on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ – Details
In addition to “DWTS” guest judge Gene Simmons offending internet viewers, the public expressed sadness about the elimination of some individuals.
Some fans were delighted when the official “Dancing with the Stars” (“DWTS”) Instagram account tweeted a post reminding viewers that rock and roll legend Gene Simmons would be a guest judge. But when he came on the show, a lot of people thought his remarks were troubling.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong received comments from the “DWTS” judges during the fourth-week “Hair Metal Night” episode.
Derek Hough completed evaluating their performance, and Simmons started making his. “Chandler, you smeared my glasses,” the artist said, removing his dark glasses.
“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,” Simmons said, making a hand motion to his body. He concluded by complimenting Kinney and pointing out that her talent would lead to a “big future” for her.
In a different scene from the same episode, candidates Danny Amendola and Witney Carson received criticism from the judges. Simmons expressed his admiration for Amendola and Carson’s appearances in a similar manner to how he spoke about Kinney’s attractiveness.
The former member of Kiss band said, “You know this is a brand new experience for me, and it’s difficult to look at both of you and to figure out which one is more hot, hot, hot.”
The crowd erupted in applause as Carson and Amendola turned to face the crowd, their features bewildered and wide-eyed.
“You’re standing next to one of the most stunning women in the globe, Danny, I’m telling you. She enhances your appearance. You need to go to the gym, buddy. You have to enter there,” Simmons continued.
Additional video from the broadcast that evening had a different dance duo getting their criticisms. Regarding competitors Reginald VelJohnson and Emma Slater’s performance, Simmons said, “You have a gorgeous woman standing next to you who is skilled at manipulating it and twisting it and turning it and, you know, all that.”
“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,” the rock star said, praising VelJohnson. They adore you because of your attitude and something about your stunning features.”
Social media fans quickly chastised Simmons for his disrespectful behavior in the comment area of the guest judge Instagram announcement after seeing his remarks, which one viewer also uploaded on TikTok. Completely disgusting. Terrifying and spoilt tonight for me,” a user complained.
“He was completely inappropriate,” said another, and “Worst guest judge! […]” was expressed by a third. His grades were solely determined by his outward look—not by ability or skill. A terrible decision, ‘DWTS.’ He ought to be barred from judging in the future.”
An Instagram user said, “He mocked the show with his scores in the grossest way.” Reddit users also joined the chorus of those who detested Simmons.
One reader commented, “I cringed so hard,” in response to a query posing whether or not others found his behavior uncomfortable. I detest that I can never predict what he will say next. I simply keep my breath held the entire time.”
“Gene is really disgusting.” I’ve disabled this episode and am only watching the live discussion. I don’t believe I’ve ever done that before. Another person said, “[sic] Been watching every episode since season 10,” to which another person responded, “:(.”
An anonymous Reddit poster made reference to Simmons’ spouse, Shannon Tweed, writing, “imagine [sic] his wife hearing him say to another woman that she’s one of the most beautiful women ever in front of millions, how embarrassing.” A different individual said, “i [sic] think just being married to that […] would be mortifying enough.”
“Were they that desperate for a judge!!!!” someone wrote in the Facebook comment section of a story about Simmons igniting controversy with his remarks on the show.
“He was terrible, more focused on the appearance of the female dancers than anything else. made offensive remarks, and his score was absurd. Worst judge I have ever met. had no right to be there.” penned an additional.
“The only people who should sit at the table should be people who have either dancing or choreography experience,” stated another supporter of the ideas.
The initial zeal displayed by certain internet users before to Simmons’ appearance on the show is contrasted by these remarks. “LET’S DO IT! One fan cried out, “A living legend!!!,” while another exclaimed, “So awesome!! 🔥❤️.” In the meantime, a fan called the guest judge selection for the show “an excellent pick.”
Apart from the intense criticism Gene Simmons received from the “DWTS” show that began with a staged rendition of his band’s hit song, “Rock and Roll All Nite,” two competitors were eliminated. Regretfully, VelJohnson and well-known actor Eric Roberts were evicted.
Talking briefly about his competition series experience, VelJohnson said, “This has been a very unique moment, and she has been very significant to me. Thank you; I adore this.
Roberts highlighted that working with his dancing partner was the best work experience he has ever had in his career when speaking about his journey.
When VelJohnson and Roberts left the show, fans reacted strongly, with the majority expressing their regret.
One TikToker said, “These guys are making me cry,” and another said, “I’m crying 😭.” Another person said, “THEY ARE SO PURE IM [sic] GONNA MISS THEM 😞.”
The surviving pairs are Kinney and Armstrong, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko, and Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold. VelJohnson and Roberts have been eliminated.
Along with these contestants are Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, Phaedra Parks and Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber, Amendola and Carson, and Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach.
